The systemic licence fraud by several senior pilots of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, unearthed through an internal investigation by the airline itself, is condemnable as such practices jeopardise passengers’ safety and destroy the carrier’s reputation. While we commend Biman for the probe, how such an oversight was allowed to occur in the first place remains a concern.

According to a report by this daily, following allegations raised over the years, Biman formed a committee on January 28 this year to investigate five pilots over forged flying licences. Although the committee submitted its report on February 3, citing discrepancies in the licences of all five and wilful submission of forged documents in at least two cases, no action has been taken, even though more than a month has passed. Worse still, a pilot, against whom there is an allegation of sexual misconduct, has been allowed to continue work, apparently due to a pilot shortage during the Hajj season. Biman’s explanation for that is, they are waiting for a response from CAAB about the probe. Meanwhile, the regulator says it is conducting an audit of the investigation, though, curiously, the one person in CAAB qualified to oversee the licensing issue has recently been transferred. This raises doubts about CAAB’s seriousness regarding the matter, particularly because the regulator has a history of ignoring irregularities in pilot licensing.

While we await the fate of the findings of this particular investigation, bigger questions surrounding Biman’s performance, planning, and growth remain unanswered. In the past, the carrier acquired several expensive aircraft but left them largely underutilised, while struggling to service huge debt. There has been a consistent mismatch between the airline’s global expansion plans and aircraft acquisition. And yet, during the interim period, it decided to buy 14 aircraft, valued between Tk 30,000 crore and Tk 35,000 crore, from US planemaker Boeing, backed by a sovereign guarantee from the government. In other words, the government will have to pay off the debt or financial obligation if Biman defaults on the payment. What remains unknown is the airline's plan regarding these aircraft. Does it have a concrete route expansion plan, enough qualified crew, maintenance personnel, etc to justify such a large-scale acquisition? Why should such a procurement, which could strain the national coffers, remain shrouded in mystery?

We demand an end to this lack of transparency at the Biman board and urge that public discussions on its expansion and procurement plans be held before any such decisions are made. We want to see our national flag carrier follow in the footsteps of internationally reputable and profitable airlines. The primary difference between them and Biman lies in proper planning and transparency, which must be addressed. Finally, we urge CAAB to take urgent measures against pilot licensing irregularities. No gaps should be allowed when it comes to the issue of passengers’ safety.