Dhaka, Sept. 26 -- Biman Bangladesh Airlines has barred cabin crew from carrying suit hangers on flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and Muscat.

Sources within the airline said the move comes after some crew members were found transporting smuggled items, including gold, concealed inside suit hangers. The new directive also aims to curb the extra weight-between five and ten kilograms-that crew members sometimes carry in these hangers.

In a circular issued on 17 September, Biman stated: "Cabin crew are strictly prohibited from carrying suit hangers on flights bound for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, and...