Dhaka: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita today called for joint efforts to make Biman Bangladesh Airlines a profitable, modern, and passenger-friendly airline, stressing improved service, transparency, and accountability. The minister made the call while addressing an exchange meeting with Biman officials and employees at the national carrier’s headquarters at Balaka Bhaban in Kurmitola this morning. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the programme as a special guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that employees must treat passengers with due respect as their salaries are derived from passengers’ payments. She highlighted the importance of performance-based promotion, filling vacant posts, and improving salaries and benefits. The meeting discussed short- and long-term plans for Biman’s development, including expansion of the fleet, enhancement of passenger services, strengthening domestic-international connectivity, and improving facilities for elderly and special-needs passengers.
The minister also directed strict enforcement of zero tolerance against baggage theft, ensuring transparency in ticket sales, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and professionalism. Highlighting the importance of Hajj operations, she instructed authorities to ensure smooth, safe, and timely services with passenger satisfaction as the top priority.
State Minister Millat stated that the government aims to develop Biman into a model institution and assured continued support from the ministry. He added that new aircraft may be inducted by 2032, subject to agreements, and directed the submission of a comprehensive operational plan for 2026-2031.
Earlier, the minister and state minister visited Biman headquarters, where Managing Director and CEO Dr. Humaira Sultana briefed them on route network, financial performance, fleet expansion, and overall operations. The minister praised Biman’s skilled workforce and expressed optimism that the airline could be transformed into a world-class carrier. Following the meeting, the ministers inspected the Biman Flight Catering Centre (BFCC) and reviewed hygiene standards. Senior officials of the ministry and Biman were present.