Photo: Collected
Biman Bangladesh Airlines' controversial Captain Fariel Bilkis Ahmed has come under scrutiny again following the revelation of her ownership of a bar. Captain Fariel owns the Blue Moon bar, located in a building on Banani Road 11 in the capital. This revelation has sparked widespread discussion among Biman Bangladesh officials and employees.
Previously embroiled in controversy for various reasons, Captain Fariel’s bar ownership has now raised further questions.
Questions about ethics and morality have arisen concerning a captain responsible for flight operations at a prominent institution like Biman Bangladesh Airlines being involved in such a business. Many are comparing the involvement of a government employee in running a bar to tarnishing the image of the entire organisation.
Regarding this matter, Biman's Director of Administration Motiul Islam Chowdhury told The Daily Messenger, “I don't know about this issue. I can't comment without knowing more.”
However, a senior Biman official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This is extremely unethical. Biman will investigate the matter. Action will be taken against her. There are directives prohibiting government employees from being involved in such businesses.”
He added, “Repeated allegations against Fariel published in newspapers damage Biman's image. The nature of the allegations this time is particularly unethical.”
In response to the allegations, Captain Fariel told The Daily Messenger, “Such allegations are completely false and baseless. I am not involved in running that bar in any way. I am a woman. How could I be involved in such work?”
She also mentioned, “I know the people who run that bar. They are our friends.”
An investigation reveals that the Blue Moon Recreation Club is located in a 10-story building on Road 11 in the upscale Banani area. The bar is situated behind the club facade on the sixth level. The venue also includes other recreational facilities. Every Thursday, DJ parties featuring nude dancing are held, and every night features parties with live music and dancing.
It has been learned that one of the owners of this club’s bar is Biman Bangladesh Airlines pilot Fariel, who visits the establishment occasionally.
Several officials and employees, speaking on condition of anonymity, have confirmed Captain Fariel's involvement with the establishment.
Enquiries reveal that Captain Fariel first became a topic of discussion after accusing an instructor of deliberately failing her during training. Additionally, there was significant controversy when no action was taken against her after she damaged a flight door.
There have been allegations that Captain Fariel is currently working on Boeing 737 aircraft for Bangladesh Biman. However, she was involved in an incident while serving as a First Officer on a Boeing 777. Captain Fariel's medical certificate was valid until September 30, 2021. She then had her next medical examination on November 8, 2021, resulting in a 38-day period during which she lacked a valid medical certificate. During this time, she conducted simulator training and operated flights on four international routes.
Further investigation reveals that without a valid medical certificate, Fariel flew from Dhaka to Wuhan and back on October 12, 2021, with 419 passengers. Similarly, on October 15, 2021, she operated a flight from Dhaka to Guangzhou and back with over 400 passengers. Additionally, she underwent simulator training on October 2, 2021, despite her medical certificate being expired. The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority is perplexed as to how and under whose authority she conducted flights and simulator training without a valid medical certificate.
It has been learned that during the 38 days when Fariel operated four international flights without a valid medical certificate, any accidents involving the Bangladesh Biman aircraft would have resulted in no insurance coverage for the plane. Typically, airline companies obtain insurance for each aircraft, which provides financial benefits in case of an accident. Passengers also receive life insurance benefits.
It is further known that if an accident occurs due to a pilot's error or an expired certificate, or if a pilot operates an aircraft incorrectly, the airline will not receive any financial benefits from the insurance company. Operating a flight without a valid medical certificate is considered a violation of Bangladesh Civil Aviation regulations.
Moreover, Captain Fariel damaged the door of a Bangladesh Biman Boeing 777 while working as a First Officer on the aircraft. However, instead of being penalized, she was promoted to Captain, which has caused significant dissatisfaction among the pilots of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Messenger/Fameema
