Bangladesh plane hijack: Suspect shot dead

A Dubai bound Biman Bangladesh Airlines plane made an emergency landing at the Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong, on Sunday and a passenger suspected of hijacking the flight has been shot dead by Bangladeshi special forces, according to local media.

The armed suspect who had attempted to take over the flight was killed in the exchange of fire with the security forces after he refused to surrender. All passengers and crew had disembarked safely.

Dhaka Tribune reported that the death of the suspect was confirmed by Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Air Force officials at a press briefing at the airport around 8:45 pm on Sunday.

Army's General Officer Commanding the 24th Infantry Division and Chittagong Area Major General SM Matiur Rahman told reporters that the Bangladeshi man, identified as Mahadi, was in his mid-20s and was carrying a pistol.

Major General Rahman further divulged that the commandos had asked the hijacker to surrender during the raid but he rejected and attempted to retaliate, which led to a shootout inside the plane.

"The suspect was apprehended with gunshot injuries, but we have learned that he died later," he added.

The army official further stated that it took only eight minutes to successfully neutralise the hijacker.

The plane which was on its way to Dubai from Dhaka via Chittagong made an emergency landing at the Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong, on Sunday, following a reported hijacking attempt.

The hijacking attempt was, however, foiled and all passengers were evacuated from the plane.