Biman fined over Tk 1 crore by KSA for ‘not disinfecting aircraft’
3-member body to probe the incident that ‘possibly took place in 2017 or 2018’
Saudi Arabia has fined Biman Bangladesh Airlines over Tk 1 crore for allegedly not disinfecting an aircraft in line with the health guidelines in a 2017 or 2018 incident, a top official said.
The national flag carrier formed a three-member investigation committee to look into this matter on Saturday.
"After formation of the enquiry committee, I came to know that the incident took place in 2017 or 2018. According to the rules, every aircraft needs to be disinfected. Our cabin crew [of the aircraft] also sprayed disinfectants inside the aircraft. But possibly they didn't handover the spray can to the inspection officer of the respective airport in Saudi Arabia," the Biman official told The Daily Star wishing anonymity.
"I came to know that instead of handing over the spray cans, they put those in the wastebasket."
He could not, however, say why a committee was formed for an incident which took place two to three years ago.
On Saturday, a circular of Biman, undersigned by its Director (administration) Ziauddin Ahmed, announced the formation of the three -member committee to investigate the incident, with Golam Sarwar, manager of ground services (airport services), being made convener of the committee.
The committee was asked to submit its report by July 30 after thoroughly investigating the incident, identifying the persons responsible and making necessary recommendations to prevent such incidents in future.
Biman's Spokesperson Tahera Khondoker was not available for comments in this regard.