Biman’s Turnaround: Reforms and Professional Management Drive a New Era of Success

Following the mass uprising in July–August, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has undergone a significant transformation under new leadership. With a wave of reforms and a shift toward professional management, the national carrier is now showing strong signs of recovery and progress.
Former caretaker government advisor and former Biman Managing Director Abdul Muhith Chowdhury has been appointed Chairman of the Board. Meanwhile, Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Biman’s former Director of Marketing and Sales, has taken over as Managing Director and CEO. Alongside these key appointments, several departmental heads and directors have been replaced to bring fresh energy into the organization.
Immediately after assuming office, the new leadership introduced several reform-driven initiatives. Notable changes were implemented in the marketing and ticketing systems, including the adoption of a competitive fare structure, full ticket availability across all sales channels, enhanced digital marketing strategies, and a strict zero-tolerance policy against ticketing syndicates. According to reliable internal sources, these reforms have already had a substantial impact, with projected annual profits expected to reach approximately Tk 800 crore.
Operational efficiency has also seen marked improvement. With the implementation of advanced monitoring systems at the airport, baggage delivery time has significantly reduced — the first bag now arrives on the terminal belt within 18 minutes. Passenger service quality continues to improve, receiving increasing positive feedback on social media and other platforms.
Cargo operations have experienced a notable boost as well, with income from cargo services rising by 24% compared to the previous year. Biman has also expanded its cargo handling capacity significantly.
Biman’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. At this year’s Bangladesh Monitor Aviation Award Program, the airline was named “Airline of the Year” and received five additional accolades: Gold Medal for long-haul international operations, Gold Medal for economy-class inflight meals, Silver Medal in the Best Improved Airline category and Bronze Medal for domestic flight operations.
Internally, a special committee was formed to address past injustices against Biman employees. Many affected individuals have already received redress, and the committee’s work continues.
To support the operations of the soon-to-open Terminal 3, Biman has recruited hundreds of skilled ground service personnel and acquired advanced ground support equipment from a globally reputed GSE manufacturer. The airline has also taken a firm stance against corruption. Disciplinary actions are underway against individuals implicated in past illegal activities. Notably, two departmental cases have been filed against Rashed Meher Chowdhury, former Head of Legal and Company Secretary, for various misconducts during his tenure. Additional actions are being pursued under the zero-tolerance policy.
Biman also earned praise for successfully managing this year’s Hajj operations without any major issues — a feat deemed unprecedented in the airline’s recent history.
With reform at its core and accountability as a guiding principle, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is poised for a brighter future.