A bomb threat received by Bangladesh Airlines regarding one of its flights was traced to a Pakistani phone number, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The threat came in the form of a message sent via WhatsApp to the airport's Air Police Duty Officer at 4:37 AM on Wednesday (January 22). The message claimed that 34 kilograms of high-grade explosives were on board Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-536, traveling from Rome to Dhaka.

The flight, which was scheduled to land at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport at 9:20 AM, was met with an immediate security response upon arrival. All 250 passengers and 13 crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft. However, following a detailed security search, no explosives or dangerous materials were discovered.

The DMP confirmed that the threat was made from a Pakistani number, and the message mentioned that the flight contained significant quantities of explosives. In response, the security protocol for such threats was immediately implemented.

Bangladesh Airlines issued a statement confirming that after the flight landed, the aircraft, passengers, and luggage were thoroughly searched, but no hazardous materials were found. A comprehensive search lasting about three hours allowed passengers to complete immigration procedures before proceeding to their destinations.

The DMP further stated that as soon as the threat was received, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, along with bomb disposal and canine units, joined the search operation at the airport.

The flight, which had initially triggered security concerns, was placed in a security perimeter upon landing. Passengers were safely disembarked, and a thorough search was conducted on the aircraft and its cargo. After completing the security checks, the flight was cleared of any threats by 12:30 PM, and passengers were allowed to leave the airport by 1:30 PM, once the proper protocols were concluded.

According to Bangladesh Airlines, all necessary security measures were followed, and once the aircraft was cleared, the flight was given the all-clear to resume its operations. This swift and coordinated response ensured the safety and security of both passengers and crew.