Vault Broken but Duty Register Shows ‘All Normal’: Arms Theft at Airport Under Complex Investigation

Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo house vault was broken, leading to the theft of firearms, and startling details have emerged. Between the evening of 27 October and 7:15 am on 28 October, the weapons stored in the vault were stolen. Seventeen personnel were responsible for security during this period. Police and multiple agencies are investigating the incident. Airport authorities have summoned four security personnel for explanations.

After a major fire at the cargo house on 18 October, 38 firearms and 100,000 bullets belonging to an importing company were stolen. Out of 21 boxes in carton number 208 of the strong vault, seven are missing. The Ministry of Civil Aviation noted only seven stolen firearms in its report and made recommendations for prevention.

Investigators say any of the 17 security personnel could be directly or indirectly involved, or extreme negligence may have caused the incident. Their personal phone call records (CDRs) are being examined. Investigators are analysing calls made and received between 27 October and 28 October.

Despite the broken vault, aviation, armed police, and Ansar personnel recorded ‘all normal’ in the duty register while handing over their shifts. This discrepancy has raised major questions for investigators.

Information indicates the vault was discovered opened at 7:07 am. However, the duty register shows ‘all normal’ signed at 10 pm the previous night. Investigators are trying to determine whether the security personnel concealed information or merely performed duties on paper.

GM of Public Relations at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Boshra Islam, stated that notices have been issued to the personnel, and appropriate measures will be taken based on the investigation. However, two weeks have passed, and the airline has not filed a case. A complete list of the stolen items is also not yet prepared.

Security experts warn that using hired youths and teenagers for operations could endanger national security if the stolen firearms and ammunition fall into the wrong hands. Despite the failure in security and false entries in the register, the personnel involved remain in service.

Investigators said false entries, lack of vault inspection, delayed GD reports, and delayed filing of cases have made the entire investigation complicated. Determining the exact time of theft, the roles of those involved, and the actual quantity of stolen items has become difficult.

Khaborwala/SS