Grenade-like objects found at Rajshahi airport; minister taken out through alternate route

Police have tightened security at Rajshahi's Hazrat Shah Makhdum Airport after two grenade-like objects were recovered from the front part of the airport. The incident took place on Tuesday (10 November) morning.

At that time, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku was in the airport's VIP lounge. Considering the situation, he was taken out through the back gate of the airport.

The minister landed in Rajshahi on a flight at 10:50am on Tuesday. He had stopped over in Rajshahi on his way from Dhaka to Bogura. Five minutes later, a local person informed the police personnel on duty about two suspicious objects lying in front of the airport.

On receiving the information, police quickly reached the spot and cordoned off the area. The minister was informed of the matter by the police. Considering security, he was then taken out through the back gate instead of the main gate.

From there, he set off for Bogura by road.

Gaziur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police and its spokesperson, said the two grenade-like objects were recovered from the airport and taken to a safe place. Only after examination will it be possible to be certain about the two objects.

He said necessary action will be taken after the examination. It is not yet confirmed what the two objects actually were.

Security has been tightened in the airport area after the incident, and police are looking into the matter.