CA for overhauling Biman, says planning adviser

The chief adviser has expressed interest in overhauling the national airline Bangladesh Biman during their tenure, as it is a frail institution that can be rebuilt within a short period, said Education and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud.

The government plans to make Biman commercially profitable, which is currently incurring losses while other international airlines are making profits, Wahiduddin said yesterday while speaking as the chief guest at a press conference organised to publish the recommendations of the task force committee on overhauling economy.

The task force committee has proposed making Biman profitable by transferring half of its assets to a separate company, run under foreign management.

The committee also recommended reconstructing Biman. To ensure that Biman becomes a competitive player in the airline industry, the government must set clear targets.

The task force proposed a new airline, tentatively named Bangladesh Airways, utilising half of Biman's existing assets but managed by an independent, world-class management company.

"It's a very good proposal," said the adviser.

When asked who could manage the foreign management, KAS Murshid, chairman of the task force committee, suggested Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airlines.

"If it can be done, then the government will realise the weaknesses," said the adviser. "Let's see who can perform well with the same resources, same assets."

"We have a wrong concept that the top boss of Biman should come from the air force. But Biman is a commercial firm, not running war flights," he said with a smile.

For over half a century, Biman, the national airline, has failed to meet modern aviation standards and performance benchmarks.

The task force committee recommended that the dual-structure approach allows both airlines to target distinct markets and routes and foster healthy competition.

If either airline fails to meet performance standards over a designated period, it must be permitted to exit the market, ensuring accountability and efficient service for travellers.