A recent audit has revealed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines has over four dozen compliance issues, putting its operational capability and airworthiness in serious question. This recent red flag in a long list of such poses serious questions regarding the integrity of the national carrier as a whole, and poses serious questions regarding its future.
Biman has seen its reputation declining for years now, and yet, it has chosen to do next to nothing to improve, instead doubling down on practices that have made it clear that this is a huge money sink for tax-payers. Aside from operational and customer service irregularities that have turned Biman into one of the worst carriers to fly on, the high-profile incidents of corruption give further credence towards its prompt privatization.
The audit report also pointed out a number of irregularities when it comes to flight operations that has the potential to put customers’ lives at danger. For example, the maintenance of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was not updated in accordance with the latest revision of the relevant maintenance program document. Another plane had no Universal Precaution Kits -- which is essential for the safety of its passengers.
Such oversights point to a company that is teetering on the edge of collapse, either because of its ineptitude or corruption. We have said it before and we will say it once again: Either privatize Biman or shut it down.
Either way, the carrier cannot be allowed to waste tax-payer funds like this any longer. Funds which would be much better spent on improving airport infrastructure, flight engineering, and training facilities to make Bangladesh an attractive hub for air travel.
Monday, July 20, 2026
