What began as a routine Sunday morning at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport quickly escalated into a dramatic security episode involving a senior government adviser.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, the Sports Adviser in the interim government, arrived at the airport for an overseas trip to Morocco via Istanbul to attend the “OIC Youth Capital 2025” event. But just before boarding Turkish Airlines flight TK-713, airport security made an unexpected discovery during the pre-boarding screening.

An ammunition magazine was found inside Asif Mahmud’s cabin bag, prompting immediate alarm. “The item was identified during routine scanning,” confirmed Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “Mr. Mahmud explained that it was an honest oversight and offered a verbal apology. The magazine was handed over to his protocol officer.”

Under international aviation regulations — including ICAO standards, CAAB Aeronautical Publications, and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — ammunition magazines are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage. Such items must be declared, packed appropriately, and placed in checked baggage with prior approval.

Though the situation was resolved swiftly and without legal consequences, the discovery sent ripples through airport security protocols. The fact that such a prohibited item made it as far as the boarding gate — in the possession of a high-level adviser — has raised uncomfortable questions about oversight and accountability.

Mahmud was eventually allowed to board, and the flight departed on schedule at 7:00 am. But the incident has not disappeared — despite attempts to make it so.

Media blackout fuels outrage

The fallout extended beyond the airport — straight into Bangladesh’s increasingly constrained media landscape.

The story first broke on Dhaka Post, a platform operated under the US-Bangla banner, detailing the security breach. But within hours, the report was scrubbed from the site — reportedly under direct orders from authorities keen to bury the scandal. Before its removal, the story had already gained significant traction online, with over 300 shares.

Shortly afterward, barta24.com — owned by controversial S Alam Group — also published a version of the report. It too disappeared quietly, feeding speculation of coordinated pressure on media outlets.

The pattern is familiar but no less alarming. The attempt to whitewash the incident reflects the interim government's hypersensitivity to any public embarrassment involving its top figures.