Airport cleaner shot while chasing birds at Sylhet airport

A cleaner was injured after an Ansar member fired a shotgun to scare away birds at Sylhet MAG Osmani International Airport.

The incident occurred around 10am in the runway area on Saturday (September 26).

The injured worker, Rubel Ahmed, was hit in the waist by a stray pellet and was taken to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital by colleagues.

However, airport authorities said he was out of danger.

According to airport sources, Ansar member Mozammel was patrolling the runway in a vehicle when he spotted birds and fired his shotgun to disperse them. The shot missed its intended target and struck Rubel, who was working nearby.

A witness, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that airport safety procedures require personnel to follow specific protocols when firing to disperse birds. The witness claimed Mozammel fired from inside the vehicle instead of getting out, resulting in the accidental injury.

Airport Director Hafiz Ahmed described the incident as accidental and said authorities were examining whether any safety procedure had been breached or negligence was involved.

Action would be taken if any wrongdoing was established, he said.