Biman Bangladesh Employees Battle for Reinstatement

Dismissed officials and employees of Biman Bangladesh Airlines staged a four-hour demonstration in front of the airline’s head office on Monday, September 22, demanding reinstatement to their jobs. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, they observed a sit-in and protest at the Balaka Bhaban in Kurmitola. The aggrieved employees further announced that unless assurances of reinstatement are given, they would continue their demonstration in the same location on Tuesday, September 23.

Mohammad Yasin Arafat, a former employee of Biman participating in the protest, said, “We were handed down the severe punishment of dismissal from service for minor offenses. Many of us challenged the orders in court, and the rulings came in our favor. Yet, the Biman authorities are using various pretexts to delay our reinstatement. That is why we have called for this protest today. If we are not reinstated, the movement will continue.”

The dismissed officials and employees alleged that during the tenure of the Awami League government, many of them were subjected to discrimination and job termination. They noted that following Biman’s circular on August 12, 2024, they had applied with renewed hope. On September 30 of the same year, they submitted a joint application requesting reconsideration of their cases.

They further said, “In response to our appeal, the Biman authorities formed a five-member committee on October 8 last year. After waiting a long time, on December 23 we again submitted an application, urging a swift and compassionate resolution to our issue. However, on that very day, Biman issued a new recruitment circular. By issuing a new hiring notice while assuring us of reinstatement, Biman has left us with no hope of regaining our jobs. Under these circumstances, we had no choice but to stage today’s protest at the entrance gate of Balaka Bhaban.”