The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Corporations has directed legal action against those responsible for financial losses incurred in the purchase of aging Dash-8 aircraft by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The decision was made during a committee meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat after the meeting.
Audit Report Reveals Tk 8.8 Crore Loss
The meeting was informed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines had taken two 15-year-old Dash-8 aircraft on lease in 2018 and subsequently purchased them after the lease period ended. An audit report revealed that the purchase and operation of the two aircraft resulted in a loss of approximately Tk 8.8 crore. The committee reviewed the audit findings before issuing its directives.Allegations of Procurement Policy Violation
Sources from the meeting indicated that Biman's procurement policy does not permit the purchase of aging aircraft. Despite this, the two aging Dash-8 aircraft, initially leased in 2018, were purchased after the lease term concluded. The incident has raised allegations of procurement policy violations.Directive to Submit Responsible Officials' List
The committee has also instructed Biman authorities to submit a list of members of the then board of directors and purchase committee involved in the procurement decision within 15 days to one month. Additionally, the committee directed the airline to take necessary steps to ensure a corruption-free and profitable operation.Committee members attended the meeting, along with senior officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The committee has asked the airline authorities to submit a detailed report on the matter.
