Biman Bangladesh Airlines today dismissed allegations circulating on social media that luggage belonging to around 150 Hajj pilgrims was cut open and valuables stolen, saying an internal investigation found no evidence to support the claim.

According to an investigation report prepared by Biman's Airport Services Division, the allegation emerged after a Facebook post claimed that baggage of pilgrims arriving on special Hajj Flight BG 3104 from Jeddah on June 2 had been tampered with and valuables stolen. The flight carried 419 pilgrims and arrived in Dhaka on June 2.

Following the allegation, Biman authorities directed the ground handling team to conduct an immediate investigation as the issue involved the reputation of the national flag carrier and airport operations.

The report said security footage, baggage handling records, body-worn camera footage and official logbooks were reviewed as part of the investigation.

According to the findings, the aircraft recorded chocks-on at 2:52am, while the first baggage was delivered to passengers at 3:05am. All 836 pieces of baggage were delivered within 59 minutes.

The report said baggage was transported from the aircraft to the delivery area under security supervision and unloaded in the presence of Airport Security (AVSEC) personnel.

Investigators found no evidence supporting the claim that luggage belonging to 150 passengers had been cut open.

Instead, only five to six passengers verbally informed ground staff that their bags appeared torn or damaged upon receipt.

The report noted that approximately 21 bags were received by handling staff in already damaged condition, based on reviews of CCTV and body-worn camera footage.

According to discussions with affected passengers, the damaged bags mainly contained Zamzam water, toiletries and dates. No passenger formally reported the loss of valuables, although one traveller verbally mentioned a missing wallet.

Ground handling staff advised affected passengers to file official Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) through the airport's Lost and Found Desk.

However, none of the passengers submitted a formal written complaint before leaving the airport, the report added.

Biman said the investigation also reviewed relevant IATA regulations and security procedures of Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The airlines said that according to Saudi Arabian regulations, no Hajj pilgrim or passenger is permitted under any circumstances to carry Zamzam water or improperly sealed liquid toiletries such as shampoo and lotion inside checked baggage.

If the presence of such prohibited liquid items is detected during baggage screening at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi airport security authorities may, in accordance with regulations, open or cut the baggage and confiscate the prohibited items.

Under international aviation regulations, carrying cash money or wallets inside checked baggage is strictly prohibited. Keeping such items in checked luggage without proper declaration is a violation of aviation rules.

Biman said a detailed assessment was carried out to verify the allegations and ensure transparency in baggage handling operations.