We are quite concerned to learn about the failure of Biman Bangladesh Airlines to operate flights to Saudi Arabia with one general sales manager. According to a report, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia had set a January 1, 2022 deadline for Biman to start operating with a single agent, instead of two. Although Biman appointed a new sales agent on January 1, it could not function properly due to complications over arrear settlements with previous agents and several other issues, including transferring the iqama (work permit) of Biman employees. Now, if Biman authorities cannot solve these issues and comply with the GACA directive, the national flag carrier may lose its right to fly to that country.

The situation, as per the Bangladeshi ambassador to the kingdom, is "horrifying" because if Biman loses its right to operate Saudi flights, it will affect thousands of our migrant workers who take its flights to go to their destination of work and return home. Currently, planes of the carrier fly to four destinations in Saudi Arabia, for 18 times a week, earning a substantial amount of money through ticket sales. Biman losing the right to fly will thus mean a huge financial loss as well. All this because of its lack of planning and competence as well as mismanagement.

It's surprising that with all the government support and funds it gets, Biman could not handle such a simple issue on its own. Rather, it had to seek help from the Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia and the civil aviation ministry to resolve the matter. Even with their interventions and several deadline extensions granted by the Saudi authorities, Biman couldn't settle the matter, and is asking for more time now.

It is really unfortunate that in its 50-year journey, Biman couldn't become a profitable organisation due to various shortcomings. While previously it operated flights to 29 international destinations, currently it flies to only 19. Reportedly, Biman's market share has reduced 20 percent in recent years. It is not hard to understand why. The mismanagement, inefficiency, improper planning, flawed marketing policy and an absence of professionals have repeatedly acted as barriers to the organisation's success. The recent debacle is also a result of inefficiency and poor management. Biman cannot go forward without addressing these issues.

About the current problem with Saudi Arabia, we hope the Biman authorities, with proper assistance from the ministry and the Bangladesh embassy in the Gulf country, will resolve the issue as soon as possible and ensure that it does not linger further.