Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, the 10th Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force and former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, passed away on 13 August 2026 at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka at approximately 11:35 AM . He was 74 and died from age-related complications, the airline said in a press release.
Islam served as the Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines for about three years from June 1997 to September 2000, during which he oversaw the airline’s search for a strategic international partner amid government plans for partial privatisation . He had earlier been appointed to the role with the rank of Air Commodore.
During his tenure at the national flag carrier, Islam told the BBC the airline was operating at a disadvantage as a small, independent carrier in a market where airlines were forming global alliances and needed a partner to access larger markets . He also confirmed plans to recruit foreign pilots due to a domestic shortage of adequately trained crew as the airline expanded its fleet and destinations.
Born on 2 February 1952 in Chandpur’s Matlab South upazila, Islam began his military career after receiving his commission in 1971 following education at Pakistan Air Force’s Sargodha College . He held the highest office in the Bangladesh Air Force as its chief from 4 June 2001 to 8 April 2002, after which he retired and entered politics . He was elected a Member of Parliament for the Chandpur-2 constituency in the 2008 national election as a candidate of the Bangladesh Awami League.
The Chairman, Managing Director and CEO, Board of Directors, and all employees of Biman Bangladesh Airlines extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace and salvation of the departed soul.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.
