Parliamentary panel seeks explanation for repeated technical glitches in PM’s aircraft, Biman procurement

A parliamentary committee has sought explanations from the relevant authorities over repeated technical glitches in aircraft carrying the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and discussed alleged irregularities in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ procurement of aircraft and equipment.

The issues were raised at the sixth meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Undertakings, held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today (2 November), according to a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat.

Chaired by Chief Whip and committee chairman Nurul Islam Moni, the meeting reviewed the financial management, operational activities and audit reports of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab).

The committee sought explanations from the authorities concerned about the repeated technical problems involving aircraft carrying the prime minister.

It also discussed fixing responsibility for alleged irregularities in Biman’s procurement of aircraft and equipment, as well as potential revenue losses resulting from weaknesses in the airline’s information technology systems.

The committee stressed the need to improve transparency and operational efficiency, prevent the misuse of public funds and address irregularities in the state-owned entities. It also called for effective measures to resolve long-standing audit objections and ensure accountability.

It sought a detailed account of the amounts recovered against audit objections, the outstanding sums and the number of individuals who had faced disciplinary action over the issues.

The committee further directed the authorities concerned to prepare evidence-based, time-bound action plans to resolve each audit objection.

Biman and the relevant authorities were asked to submit detailed written explanations and supporting documents at the committee’s next meeting.