Biman flight glitches cause concern
Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft frequently face technical problems, putting lives of passengers in danger during their journeys.
Sources said several technical hitches have developed in the state-run airliners in recent times, compelling the pilots to make emergency landing.
In the latest incident, there was a technical problem at a Biman aircraft carrying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Hungary. The pilot made a crash landing at an airport in Turkmenistan on Sunday.
Another similar incident has taken place in the VVIP flight this year, raising concern among passengers.
Although similar incidents have happened one after another, tough action is not taken against those responsible.
The authorities of the national flag-carrier only finish their tasks by forming probe committees and terminating some junior officials. But top officials responsible remain out of accountability.
In the wake of the premier’s flight problem, the Biman authorities suspended six officials. But no action was taken against the top officials responsible.
It is learnt that the officials responsible for the latest incident are on a probe committee formed by the Biman authorities.
Biman sources said engineering officers work under acting chief engineer Debesh Chowdhury while technicians work under chief of technicians captain Fazal Mahmud Chowdhury.
Wing commander (retd) Asaduzzaman, director of Biman (Engineering and Material Management), is in charge of overall monitoring.
Of them, Debesh and four other ground engineers were in the flight carrying the premier to Hungary.
A former Biman official said top officials cannot abdicate responsibility for technical glitches in the VVIP-carrying aircraft.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon told the media on Thursday there is no chance of taking such an incident lightly. The officials concerned should shoulder the responsibility and will be brought into accountability.
He further said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance stance in this regard. Action must be taken against responsible officials following the final investigation report.
“If needed, Biman management and executive board will be reshuffled,” the aviation minister added.
Another probe committee formed by the ministry has been asked to reveal real reasons behind the technical glitch and provide some suggestions.
When contacted, Biman Managing Director AM Mosaddique Ahmed could not be reached over a mobile phone.
On June 8, a VVIP aircraft carrying the prime minister delayed for half an hour as metal debris was found on the runway of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital.
Besides, a Biman flight carrying former President HM Ershad also faced a technical problem
