Biman halts promotion, suspends official amid corruption allegations

The Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended official Md Mizanur Rashid only hours after promoting him to a senior position, following widespread criticism and internal backlash over longstanding corruption allegations against him.

Biman has also decided to place him under temporary suspension from today (20 May) under Article 58 of the Bangladesh Biman Corporation Service Rules, 1979.

Confirming the matter, Biman Bangladesh Airlines General Manager (Public Relations) Bushra Islam said the promotion decision was taken yesterday (19 May) but was later reconsidered after strong criticism erupted among employees and officials over the allegations against Rashid.

According to Biman sources, Rashid, who had been serving as acting general manager of the Human Resources Development Department, was promoted on Monday (18 May) to the post of director of Human Resources Development.

However, after news of the promotion spread inside the airline, strong criticism erupted among employees and officials, prompting the authorities to halt the decision.

Rashid previously faced departmental proceedings over allegations of embezzling nearly Tk3 crore through software procurement using government funds.

Although he was cleared in an internal departmental investigation, the Anti-Corruption Commission is still conducting an inquiry into the matter.

Despite the allegations, he continued to receive key assignments within the airline.

On 4 March, he was transferred from the position of general manager (Transport) to the Finance and Accounts Division.

The following day, he was appointed general manager of Administration and Human Resources, while also being given additional responsibilities as director of Administration and HR.

He was later entrusted with the duties of director of Finance as well, a position considered higher than that of a general manager.