The Economic Strategy Realignment Taskforce has proposed dismantling Biman Bangladesh Airlines and using half of its assets to establish a new airline, tentatively named "Bangladesh Airways."
Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser for Education and Planning, announced the recommendation at a press briefing on Monday, citing the airline’s prolonged inefficiencies and inability to provide competitive services despite operating for five decades.
Terming Biman an ineffective entity, Dr Mahmud stressed the need to explore commercial viability and modernization strategies.
“We must find a way to make it profitable and modern. If necessary, an expert from abroad should be appointed as the Managing Director (MD),” he said.
The task force has proposed dividing Biman into two entities, with one part managed by a foreign firm while the other continues under Biman’s control.
“Both entities will have equal opportunities, and we will assess which one performs better,” Dr Mahmud added.
The proposal suggests that the newly formed airline should be independently managed by a world-class entity, leveraging a portion of Biman’s existing assets while targeting distinct markets and routes.
If it fails to meet service standards within a set period, removal from the market has been recommended.
Additionally, the task force proposed establishing a ‘Global Excellence Center’ in the outskirts of Dhaka.
This institution would focus on advanced education and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as environmental science, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Modeled after international institutions like India’s IITs, it aims to foster research and innovation.
A separate initiative has been proposed for the creation of the ‘Center for Social and Behavioral Change Communication and Research,’ dedicated to studying and driving positive societal transformations.
The report highlights that implementing these initiatives will significantly advance Bangladesh’s research, education, and transportation sectors. Dr. Mahmud also emphasized prioritizing energy efficiency in upcoming projects under the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
“For a long time, it was said that BAPEX lacked capacity. We will now enhance its capabilities. If necessary, we will seek support from organizations like those in Malaysia, but instead of relying on imports, we will strengthen BAPEX,” he said.
