A government taskforce on economic affairs has recommended a major restructuring of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, describing it as an ineffectual institution.
Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud made the remarks during a press conference at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Monday (3 February).
Mahmud emphasised the need to modernise and commercialise the airline, suggesting that a foreign expert be appointed as managing director if necessary.
The taskforce report proposes splitting Biman into two entities—one to be operated by a foreign organisation and the other by the airline itself.
This arrangement, it argues, would allow both entities equal opportunities, enabling an evaluation of their comparative performance.
Additionally, the taskforce has recommended the establishment of a new airline, tentatively named "Bangladesh Airways", to foster competition.
The new carrier would be managed independently by a globally competent organisation and would utilise part of Biman’s existing assets while targeting distinct markets and routes.
The proposal also stipulates that if the new airline fails to maintain service standards within a set timeframe, it should be withdrawn from the market.
