Gold Worth Tk 2 Billion Seized from Under Aircraft Seat at Dhaka Airport

Gold bars worth an estimated Tk 2 billion (Tk 200 crore) have been seized from underneath a passenger seat of a Flydubai aircraft at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, customs officials said. The Dhaka Customs House recovered 80 gold bars weighing approximately 9.33 kilograms from Flydubai flight FZ523 late Wednesday night (September 2), following a tip-off.

Customs officials, accompanied by members of intelligence agencies, searched the aircraft after all passengers had disembarked. During the search, several packets wrapped in black adhesive tape were found underneath seat 19A. The packets were subsequently opened, revealing 80 gold bars. Each bar weighed approximately 116.64 grams, according to customs officials.

The gold was found abandoned, with no passenger or individual claiming ownership. Officials suspect that the gold was brought into Bangladesh by evading applicable customs duties and taxes and was possibly intended to be smuggled out of the airport. A press conference was held following the seizure, attended by Dhaka Customs House Commissioner Mohammad Mashiur Rahman, Additional Commissioner Ayesha Akter, Additional Commissioner Md Kamrul Hasan, and other joint commissioners and assistant commissioners.

Customs authorities said the seized gold is being processed for deposit with Bangladesh Bank in accordance with government regulations. A criminal case has also been filed with the Airport Police Station in connection with the incident. The Dhaka Customs House said intelligence surveillance and regular operations at the airport would continue as part of ongoing efforts to prevent gold smuggling.