Dhaka: A private bank director was released on bond hours after he was detained by Aviation Security members at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for entering the key point installation carrying a firearm early Thursday.

Airport sources said Azmat Rahman, a director of Farmers Bank Ltd, was detained by security personnel as he was about to enter the boarding bridge-6 at about 12:30am after a pistol along with a magazine loaded with eight bullets was found scanning his laptop bag.

Later, he was handed over to Airport Police Station by the security officer of Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB).

According to the existing rules, no civilian can enter any airport and board a plane carrying a firearm as it is an offence, said a police officer who was on duty at the airport.

It was not clear how the bank director entered the airport avoiding scanning and physical frisking, he said requesting anonymity.

Contacted, officer-in-charge of Airport Police Station Nur-e-Azam told UNB that Azmat was handed over to the custody of his father Dr Mohd. Atahar Uddin, also vice-chairman of the bank, as he was carrying a licensed firearm.

He, however, said they seized the pistol along with the licence for scrutiny. aFurther step will be taken on completion of the scrutiny," the OC said.