A Biman Bangladesh Airlines cabin crew member who went missing while on duty in the United Arab Emirates five days ago is being held by the Abu Dhabi branch of the country’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
UAE authorities have yet to provide any official explanation on the allegations or suspicions behind the detention of Mirza Adnan.
Asked about the incident, Biman’s Acting General Manager (Public Relations) Muhammad Mohiuddin told bdnews24.com on Monday: “The cabin crew member had gone there to operate a flight. Immigration detained him.”
When asked why he had been detained, Mohiuddin said: “Immigration does not disclose such information. They conduct their own investigation and will either release him or take action if any offence is found.”
He said he had no immediate information on whether the airline had taken any formal steps and would check with the Flight Operations Division.
Flight Operations Director Capt AKM Aminul Islam, however, said he was unaware of the matter and referred inquiries first to the Public Relations Division and then to Customer Services.
Mirza Adnan went missing after reporting for duty at Sharjah Airport on Jul 22.
A source at Biman’s Sharjah station told bdnews24.com that immigration authorities detained him on suspicion after Flight BG-151 arrived at Sharjah International Airport.
He was later transferred to Abu Dhabi CID for further investigation and questioning, where he remains in custody.
Sharjah Station Manager Zakir Hossain said, “I have learned that Sharjah CID detained him before handing him over to the Abu Dhabi branch.
“Abu Dhabi police later contacted Biman’s Abu Dhabi station and the Bangladesh Embassy. The embassy is aware of the matter.”
Abu Dhabi Station Manager Md Anwar Ul Firdaus said Biman officials had contacted airport authorities and CID officers but received no details.
“They finally told us they would inform us at the appropriate time. The Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi is also monitoring the matter.”