Plundered Biman
An ex employee of ZIA, Hounslow, Middlesex, UK
It is tragic that the national airline should come to such a deplorable state, despite having so much of commercial potential both at home and abroad. The airline initially grew fast through the dedication of the majority of employees. Soon it drew the attention of the outsiders, who started getting in by virtue of influence but without any airline background and irrespective of their professional knowledge and capability. During the regime of President Ershad, retired personnel of the armed forces got appointed directly thus depriving and blocking the future of Biman' own staff. They had the upper hand and imposed their own way of administration not befitting a commercial airline. The employees got frustrated. Then the former president himself dealt the biggest blow by purchasing ATP aircrafts from Britain. So did the other political leaders and their goons in many ways thus paralysing the growing airline day by day. The airline had to bear the brunt of it all. Internally, a number of unions mushroomed. Corruption crept in due to lack of administration. Check and balance disappeared. It became a paradise for the looters. Union leaders and their cohorts numbering a few hundred used to be above the law. They drew salary, overtime and earned promotions without any work. They used to flex their muscle and get their way. The management used to remain wary of them. They used to interfere, dictate, humiliate and even manhandle the officers. The union bosses used to lead luxurious lives. Guess how? The pilots so vocal today should do their own introspection. They, without any mercy for the airline, used to humble the management and get one after another agreement executed hardly realising the airline's financial viability. Their strong union used to play dirty tricks to realise their demands. They would come up with numerous demands during Hajj and put the brakes on. Under those circumstances, the political governments had to give in unconditionally.They have one of the best service conditions in this country. In this respect, one will notice a gulf of difference between them and the rest of all the employees. The CTG should look into each and every agreement and make those viable. Biman as a commercial airline should be left alone, free of interference to compete with other carriers. But before anything else, the national flag carrier should be protected by procuring a modern fleet of aircrafts. Else, it may be too late for the dying patient to survive!
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