Desk News: Passengers at Sylhet Osmani International Airport are increasingly frustrated by the presence of middlemen (Dalal) involved in transportation and luggage handling, leading to widespread harassment. These unauthorized individuals, often seen operating within the airport’s premises, have been reported for aggressively handling passengers’ luggage, causing immense discomfort.

One such victim, Bashir Ahmed from Boroshala, filed a formal complaint with the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner on October 15, 2023, seeking intervention against these activities.

According to the complaint, a group of middlemen (Dalal), led by Saiful Islam Liton from Boroshala, along with his associates Helal Ahmed, Mokhles, Moshakkor, and Ustar, have been extorting passengers for inflated fees. They engage in aggressive tactics such as forcibly grabbing luggage and charging exorbitant amounts for their services.

An on-site investigation confirmed the allegations, revealing that these individuals often take passengers’ bags without consent and demand large sums in return for loading them into vehicles.

When airport authorities, including armed police and security personnel, attempt to apprehend the culprits, they falsely claim to be members of a local labor union. However, investigations have proven these claims to be baseless.

Additionally, disputes among the middlemen (Dalal) over dividing extortion money often escalate into violent altercations within the airport’s parking area.

Rukonuzzaman, the head of Messrs. Rihat Enterprise, the company that leased the airport’s internal parking area, expressed his frustration over the lack of action despite multiple complaints. He stated that he had leased the parking area for a year starting July 1, 2024, for 90 crore BDT, with a 10 lakh BDT deposit. Despite lodging complaints with armed police, the property department, DGFI, and the airport director, the extortion activities persist.

When contacted, the officer-in-charge of the airport’s armed police, Mamun, stated that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the local police. However, he assured that his team is ready to assist if required.

Attempts to contact key airport officials, including Habib, head of the property department, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the airport director, were unsuccessful as they did not respond to calls.

Syed Anisur Rahman, the officer-in-charge of the Airport Police Station, confirmed that necessary actions will be taken after discussing the matter with the airport’s aviation security branch.

This ongoing issue has left passengers inconvenienced and demanding stronger measures to curb the harassment at the airport.

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