At the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the lock of the strong vault was found broken, and firearms imported for security forces—along with other important items—have reportedly gone missing. A General Diary (GD) has been filed at the Airport Police Station, and the Civil Aviation Authority has formed an investigation committee.
After a massive fire broke out in the Cargo Village on 18 October, strict security measures were imposed across the area, with public movement restricted. Despite this, the strong vault was found with its lock broken.
According to the GD, on 24 October, all items in the vault were inventoried and sealed in the presence of officials from the Cargo Village and the airport authorities. Airport officials confirmed that the lock remained intact as late as the night of 27 October. But on the morning of 28 October, the lock was discovered open.
Taslima Akter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Airport Police Station, acknowledged the GD but declined to comment on whether weapons had indeed gone missing. A Cargo Village official, requesting anonymity, said: “The fire did not damage the strong vault. During the inspection on 24 October, firearms, machinery, and all vital items were found intact. After the fire, some firearms were taken away by the government agency that imported them; the rest were kept in the vault.”
After the lock was found broken, another inventory of the vault was conducted on Sunday (2 November). The missing quantity and types of firearms will be determined by comparing the new list with the one compiled earlier. However, airport authorities refused to comment on this matter.
Cargo Village employees stated that the strong vault usually stores firearms, gold, diamonds, and valuable machinery. These items are supervised by the airport authority.
It may be noted that weapons looted from a police station since 5 August still have not been recovered. Various sources indicate that during that period, a large quantity of weapons entered Bangladesh from Pakistan, which, combined with previously looted arms, has heightened security concerns.
The investigation is ongoing. The committee formed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation is expected to submit its report soon.
