THE management of the national flag carrier Biman, recently dubbed as the smuggled gold carrier, has earned a blurred image for the country. The arrest of the gold smugglers’ racket including three high-ups of Biman Bangladesh Airlines unearthed the oddity of systematic corruption resulting in uninterrupted financial losses and substandard service of the aircrafts. In the case of Biman, nepotism reached its summit to destroy the public airline. Detectives’ investigation dug out a name related with all crimes from gold smuggling to cabin crew recruitment business — it was the godson of Biman Chairman. Though the Biman Chief denied his involvement with any corruption or support to his godson, the reality tells otherwise about corruption, nepotism and the smuggling rackets.
Dailies reported that, even though officially nobody in Biman or the airport, the godson of the Biman Chief Mahmudul Haque Palash was the top dog of gold smuggling ring and he used the names of Biman high-ups who were reportedly blessed with the Chairman. Palash used to make time schedule of the airlines and even select the duty of cabin crews. The godson picked up the officials and staff of Biman for his racket, winning them over with bribes, liquor and women. The vagueness and ineptness of Biman management led by the Biman Chair shamed the nation as such corruption and nepotism enabled the safe smuggling route of gold indicating the country is a safe haven for smugglers.
He along with arrestee Capt Shaheed decided which crew member would be on which flight to bring in the shipment of gold. Detectives and Biman insiders said Palash had been wandering around Biman offices for around 10 years but his influence rose quickly after being introduced to the Biman Chairman a couple of years ago. Capt Shaheed had gotten the service tenure of pilots extended to 60 years from 57 using his good relations with the Biman high-ups and by bribing Tk 30 lakh to Palash.
Biman Chief Jamal Uddin said he was unaware about the use of his name by Palash, but insiders claimed that the Chief also takes a percentage from the gold smuggling’s income. His inability to manage the state carrier is the single most important cause behind the sinking of Biman. Whoever is behind the smuggling and tarnishing of our pride should face legal actions for corruption. We just wish Biman would continue to fly glowing with the pride of the nation across the globe. The Civil Aviation Minister has the responsibility of the national flag carrier and must not avoid his role in investigating the gold smuggling through Biman.
