National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has launched a high-level investigation into eight pilots accused of securing employment through forged documents, fake logbooks, and misrepresented flight hours.
The probe coincides with internal unrest over the appointment of Captain Ahmed Imran as the Chief of Flight Safety, despite a history of alleged disciplinary breaches and misconduct.
A four-member investigation committee was formed after a preliminary secret inquiry uncovered significant discrepancies in the flying hours required for Commercial and Transport Pilot Licenses.
Key findings from the investigation report include Captain Abdur Rahman Akand Logged only 154.35 hours out of the required 250 for his license.
Captain Fariel Bilkis Ahmed Accused of double-counting 350 flight hours by recording the same time as both Pilot-in-Command and Co-pilot. Captain Anis Granted a license with only 162 hours, falling short of the 200-hour requirement. Captain Basit Mahtab Allegedly used a forged certificate to inflate 33 hours of flight time to 155 hours.
Similar irregularities were noted involving Captains Nuruddin Ahmed, Yusuf Mahmud, and Mostafizur Rahman. The report further suggests a systemic failure in the licensing verification process, noting that some flight inspectors performed duties without valid medical fitness or recent flying experience.
Aviation experts warn that pilots lacking genuine experience pose a severe risk during emergencies. "Operating flights with under-qualified pilots increases the likelihood of fatal errors," said aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam, adding that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) must share responsibility for these lapses.
Parallel to the pilot probe, the appointment of Captain Ahmed Imran as Chief of Flight Safety has drawn criticism. Documents dated April 5, 2023, reveal prior complaints against him involving offensive behavior toward female cabin crew and the use of inappropriate language in the cockpit.
Records also show Captain Imran previously received a warning for smoking in restricted apron areas and allegedly refusing a mandatory pre-flight breathalyzer test. Critics claim he lacks the specialized safety training required for his current high-level post.
Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, Assistant Director of Public Relations at CAAB, confirmed that the licenses in question are currently under scrutiny. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has not yet issued an official statement, and Captain Ahmed Imran did not respond to requests for comment.
