Biman Bangladesh Authority has fired its official Captain Mahabubur Rahman who is also the president of Bangladesh Airlines Pilots Association (BAPA).
It was learned that due to dissatisfaction with the salaries and allowances of the pilots of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, he was sacked by a letter signed by Biman’s managing director and CEO Abu Saleh Mostafa Kamal on November 29.
“We have not terminated any president, we have terminated a captain of the aircraft,” said Biman’s MD.
About the dismissal, BAPA President Captain Mahbub did not comment on the matter.
In the letter, Captain Mahbub has been asked to collect all his dues from the authorities.
Biman’s other pilots said that if Captain Mahbub had committed any crime, he could have been suspended or served a show-cause letter. Sudden dismissal in this way is not legal. According to the labor law, the president of any organization cannot be dismissed in this way.
It was learned that Biman’s board of directors empowers the airline's managing director to fire pilots. The Managing Director was given the power at the 265th Board Meeting on 28 November. The day after coming to power, a letter was sent to dismiss the BAPA president.
Biman Bangladesh pilots, dissatisfied with their salaries and allowances, have been refraining from working overtime since October 25 as per their agreement. Several international flights were delayed leading to the suffering of passengers.
However, the authorities concerned have discussed with them the issue at that time.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali earlier at a programme on November 20, those who are engaged in defaming the national flag carrier will be held responsible.
During the pandemic situation, the airline cut the salaries of the pilots in different amounts to reduce the cost. This caused dissatisfaction among the pilots of the Biman.
