Biman MD leaves after less than 3 months' service

Sources, however, said he was removed from the position following a conflict with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin.

Nasiruddin reportedly asked the establishment secretary to remove Liaqat Ali after the airforce officer refused to approve the recruitment of 17 new employees who have the minister's blessing.

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Disagreement on many issues strained the relationship between the two men ever since Liaqat joined as Biman's MD on February 5, sources said, adding that he also opposed procurement of two 26-year-old F28s from Indonesia on the grounds that they did not meet tender specifications.

The establishment ministry is likely to appoint Akhtaruddin Ahmed, director-general of the Social Welfare Directorate, as new chief of the national airlines with the status of joint secretary. Ahmed is expected to join Saturday but it could not be confirmed. He will be 22nd chief executive officer (CEO) of Biman.

The outgoing MD is the shortest serving CEO of Biman since its establishment in 1972 through a presidential order.

His predecessor Air Commodore Lutfur Rahman served for one year only before leaving on December 31 last year.

Sources said such frequent change of MDs has deprived Biman of solid and professional leadership.

On the other hand, no Biman insider other than Captain NS Haider, Captain Mashiur Rahman, Azim Uddin Ahmed and Abdul Mannan has ever headed the organisation as mostly civil servants and airforce officers with limited knowledge about the aviation industry got the appointment.