Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Monday promoted a controversial official, Mizanur Rashid, only to cancel the decision within a few hours following widespread criticism. The reversal has sparked significant unrest and discussion throughout the national flag carrier.
Rashid, currently the acting general manager of Human Resources Development Department, was promoted to the position of director of the same department. However, the appointment was subsequently stayed as news of the promotion drew intense scrutiny.
Records indicate that Rashid previously faced a departmental case regarding allegations of embezzling nearly Tk3 crore in government funds during the procurement of software.
Although he was acquitted in the departmental proceedings, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is reportedly still conducting an investigation into the matter.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Rashid has held several key positions in quick succession. On March 4, while serving as the GM (Motor Transport), he was transferred to the Finance and Accounts Department.
The following day, he was appointed as the GM of the Administration and Human Resources Department.
Simultaneously, he was granted the additional charge of Director of Administration and Human Resources, along with the responsibilities of the Director of the Finance Department—a rank higher than that of general manager.
Allegations have surfaced that Rashid secured these high-ranking responsibilities through the lobbying of a powerful faction consisting of both former and current Biman officials.
