Photo : Collected
In Bangladesh Biman, domestic pilots with merit are being neglected, despite being qualified. Many of these pilots are working in other airlines, demonstrating their absolute qualifications. Despite the substantial cost involved, the state-owned company appears to favor foreign pilots. There are allegations that the recruitment process for pilots is structured in a manner that prevents domestic pilots from applying. Additionally, concerning foreign pilots, there are reports of significant expenses incurred, including stays in five-star hotels. Curiously, foreign pilots sometimes send money to their respective countries allocated for their expenses flouting rules.
Aviation expert Ashish Roy Chowdhury expressed his perspective, stating, "During my tenure as the Chief Operating Officer of GMG and Regent Airlines, I operated aircraft by recruiting local pilots. I fail to comprehend why Biman is opting to hire foreign pilots. Bangladesh possesses a considerable number of experienced Boeing 737 pilots. While Biman interviewed some local pilots, they ultimately chose not to hire them. In my opinion, there is currently no need for foreign pilots in our country."
Ashish Roy Chowdhury emphasised that the aircraft is the national flag carrier and should prioritise utilising domestic talent. He highlighted that many skilled individuals in Bangladesh are currently without jobs and could serve as experienced pilots for these flights. According to him, there is no need to hire foreign pilots when there is a pool of qualified local candidates available.
On the other hand, aviation expert Wing Commander Nazrul pointed out that as long as pilots meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the aircraft operation manual, there should be no issue with their recruitment. However, he questioned Biman's decision to prioritise hiring foreign pilots over domestic ones with ample experience. Nazrul warned that if foreigners are employed without giving preference to local talent, it could adversely affect the country's economy.
It is known that the number of foreign pilots in Biman Bangladesh Airlines is currently 22. Biman has started the process of bringing 6 more foreign pilots. A lot of foreign currency is being sent to abroad for these foreign pilots. As a result the country is suffering as well as the experienced pilots of Bangladesh are being deprived. Local pilots were supposed to get more job opportunities in the airlines, but they are constantly being neglected.
According to the investigation, foreign pilots from 5-6 countries are working in Biman. Most of whose pilots are working in Biman Bangladesh through G2G agreement from Indonesia's Garuda Airlines. And the pilots are kept in the luxurious Sarina Hotel as the residence. Besides, foreign pilots enjoy much more annual paid leave than Bangladeshi pilots. At the same time, Biman bears all incidental expenses including the travel of foreign pilots.
According to the investigation, foreign pilots have been making various irregularities in the operation of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. A few days ago, a foreign pilot was caught by an inspector of Bangladesh Civil Aviation while flying with an expired medical certificate. Bangladesh Civil Aviation also fined Biman Bangladesh Airlines Tk 10 lakh in this incident. And the foreign pilot was suspended from Bangladesh Civil Aviation for two months. However, flying with an expired medical carries a 90-day suspension for each flight, according to the law.
According to the rules set by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), it appears that foreign aviators are not spending the required amount of money while staying in Bangladesh. There are rumors circulating that foreign pilots, at times when they are not actively operating flights, are converting their salaries into dollars and transferring them abroad to their home countries.
Meanwhile, according to the Bangladesh government rules, in the case of recruitment, there is a rule to bring only foreign aviators in the airlines if no Bangladeshi aviator is found through the publication of advertisement according to the qualification of the aircraft operation manual. Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh publishes the recruitment circular for various posts of pilots in such a way that domestic pilots cannot apply to Biman. At the same time the aviator's recruitment notification is issued in a manner that is in conflict with the aircraft's manual.
Bangladesh Biman's GM Public Relations Tahera Khandkar was contacted multiple times but she did not respond. She did not answer phone calls and messages. It was not possible to know the statement of Biman on the issue.
Messenger/Fameema
