Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon has told the parliament that in the last six years, Biman Bangladesh Airlines gained profit only in 2014-15 fiscal year after incurring losses from FY2009-10 to FY2013-14 in a row.
“In 2014-15 fiscal year, Biman’s profit amounted to Tk272.23 crore while its loss Tk1435.64 crore from FY2009-10 to FY2013-14,” the minister told the Parliament in response to a query of ruling party Lawmaker M Abdul Latif.
Menon attributed the loss to the national carrier’s fuel and maintenance cost, plus lackluster passengers’ response.
At the beginning of FY’14-15, Biman’s revenue earnings saw a positive trend to ultimately end up in profit making this year.
The airlines has reduced its net loss and made a profit of TK274 crore in nine months in last fiscal year.
Industry insiders said the brand new fuel-efficient six Boeing aircraft helped a lot turn the organisation into a profitable one.
In his question-answer session in the Parliament, Menon yesterday said forex earning is rising as tourists are visiting Bangladesh.
Replying to a query, the minister said Bangladesh earned Tk11621.54 million in 2014-15 fiscal year through foreign tourists.
In his address at the Parliament, Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said the government has plan to buy some fighter jets to protect country’s independence and sovereignty.
In replying to another query, Menon said the government’s Power Division has already been asked to take initiative for setting up a power plant in Saint Martins, and local Upazila Nirbahi officer (UNO) was asked to submit feasibility study report in this regard.
He said as a good number of tourists visit Saint Martins every year, a power station could be set up to provide necessary facilities to the tourists.