Corruption involving 45 million dollars took place only in the process of taking up lease on aircraft in the last five years, according to a study report presented at the discussion.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) conducted the study titled 'Biman Bangladesh Airlines: A diagnostic study'.

The study also said the government has turned the Biman into a public limited company without following the rules and regulations.

No audit has been done or no assessment of the assets and liabilities of Biman has been made before making it a public limited company, it added.

The study also identified some factors such as political interference, massive corruption, lack of accountability of the Biman chairman and dual policy (treating the organisation as service-oriented and also as commercial-oriented) as the reasons behind the present bad shape of Biman.

Moreover, poor passenger service and failure to maintain schedule are also major problems facing the Biman, the study added.

TIB organised the roundtable titled 'Bangladesh Biman: Problems and the way out' at the National Press Club in the city, with its President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad in the chair.

In its study, the TIB recommended eliminating the prevailing 'dual policy' in Biman's operational structure and not appointing any bureaucrats as the chairman of the Biman's board of directors.

The speakers at the discussion wondered why Biman has failed to make profit as there are some 70 lakh captive passengers in the country.

CEO and Managing Director of Biman Dr MA Momen said the extent of corruption in Biman is actually much higher than what the TIB has revealed in its study.

He criticised the former Biman bosses, including ministers, for ruining the organisation through political intervention and resorting to various irregularities.

"Biman's policy regarding purchase and others issues was friendly towards contractors and suppliers," he said, adding, "We will have to identify godfathers and their accomplices who are responsible for the present situation."

Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said Biman would be able to make profit within a short time, if it can get rid of corruption.

Biman will have to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness as an organisation, he said, adding that Biman should start its new journey as a public limited company with zero liability.

Media researcher Muhammad Jahangir demanded punishment to the 'villains' responsible for corruption and irregularities in Biman.

Former president of Biman Airlines Pilots' Association Nasimul Haque said that Biman MD should have absolute authority to run the oraganistion.

He also suggested abolishing the Biman's board of directors, saying that "This body is good for nothing."

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, former secretary Abul Kalam Azad, former lawmaker Col (retd) Faruk Khan, former secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed, Captain Masud and Secretary General of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh Maulana Eyaqub Sharafati also spoke.