Suspect dies in failed bid to hijack Biman plane

The lone suspect was killed in a failed attempt to hijack a Biman Bangladesh Airline's aircraft Sunday evening at the Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, report agencies.

The suspect died in an army commando operation.

Major General SM Matiur Rahman, the GOC of Chattogram, briefed the media about the operation at the airport around 8:45pm on Sunday.

The suspect had identified himself as 'Mahadi' to a crew member and been carrying a pistol, Matiur said.

He also said Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Mafidur Rahman from a Bangladesh Air Force base in Chattogram successfully engaged the suspect in conversations in aid of the army commandos.

Lieutenant Colonel Imrul Hasan, who had led the commando operation to free hostages in the Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack in Dhaka, also headed the operation at the airport, Matiur said.

Earlier, intelligence sources said a joint team of the para-commando wing of Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force, Rapid Action Battalion and police conducted a drive at the aircraft and held the suspected passenger who was also injured in the operation.

A crewmember who was reportedly held hostage by the man was also rescued.

All the 142 passengers and pilots of the Dubai-bound flight from Dhaka were evacuated from the aircraft safely, said Shakil Miraj, Biman general manager (Public Relations).

He said the Dubai-bound flight took off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after 5pm and it made the landing at the Chattogram airport around 5:40pm.

Biman Manager (PR) Tasmin Akhter said the flight made the emergency landing suspecting a passenger to be a hijacker.

Later, members of RAB, Army, Air Force and police cordoned off the aircraft.

Meanwhile, officer-in-charge of Patenga Police Station in Chattogram Abul Quashem said two bullets were fired in the aircraft.