Biman Bangladesh Airlines could be expanding its fleet with new aircraft from Airbus. Outgoing Managing Director and CEO of the national flag carrier, Shafiul Azim, made the indication during a views exchange meeting with the Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) today (May 29, 2024). The meeting, held in Dhaka, saw the participation of ATJFB members led by their president, Tanzim Anwar. Addressing the forum, the outgoing Biman MD said that Airbus had proposed two offers to Biman for aircraft procurement. “Initially, Airbus offered us two cargo planes, but we decided we do not need them at the moment. Instead, we expressed our interest in expanding our passenger fleet. Subsequently, Airbus proposed four passenger aircraft, which was a better offer. This proposal has been evaluated by the committee and forwarded to the board for approval,” Azim explained. He emphasized the importance of diversifying their fleet, noting that currently, 16 out of 21 large aircraft in Biman’s fleet are from Boeing. “We are considering Airbus’s offers seriously. Diversifying our aircraft will not only mitigate risk but also appeal to passengers who appreciate newer models,” Azim said. Airbus leading in Bangladesh’s aircraft purchase consideration over Boeing? Regarding Boeing, Azim mentioned that they also received an offer from Boeing, which will be evaluated. “We have a longstanding relationship with Boeing, not just in terms of aircraft procurement but also their technical support and credit facilities. We are working well together,” he added. Azim highlighted Biman’s advantageous position due to the competitive proposals from both Airbus and Boeing. He assured that regardless of the manufacturer chosen, Biman stands to benefit as a customer. When asked about the financial status of Biman, Azim confidently stated that Biman has been “profitable for eight out of the last ten years.” The two years of losses included one year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and another due to significant payment obligations. “Despite challenges such as dollar shortages and ongoing global conflicts, we have remained profitable,” the Biman MD said. He further defended Biman’s financial health, pointing out that regular audits have confirmed their profitability. “We continue to hire, pay salaries and bonuses, including profit bonuses. If Biman wasn’t profitable, where would this money come from? To those who doubt our success, I pray they find guidance,” he remarked. PM’s likely Visit to Paris: France hopes significant progress on purchase from Airbus, satellite Reflecting on his tenure, Azim expressed satisfaction with his management approach. “During my time, I never hesitated to reward deserving employees or to impose necessary disciplinary actions. I have used my authority to the fullest and believe that with effort, Biman can compete with the world’s leading airlines,” he stated. Addressing the frequent changes in Biman’s leadership, Azim underscored the need for a stable management system. “Our human and technical resources are competent. If systems and structures are in place, the organization won’t rely on any single individual. I have focused on establishing these systems,” he noted. He also recommended retaining experienced personnel in technical fields, regardless of age, as experience grows with time. “Biman should not function with the mindset of a government office; it is a commercial entity and should be managed commercially,” Azim advised. He expressed a slight regret, wishing that four new aircraft could have been added to Biman’s fleet during his tenure. Read more: Jahidul Islam Bhuiyan appointed as MD of Biman On May 26, the Ministry of Public Administration announced Md. Jahidul Islam Bhuiyan as the new Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. In a separate announcement, Shafiul Azim was promoted to Secretary of the Election Commission.

Md Tanzim Anwar, Special Correspondent of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), has been elected President of the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) unopposed for a two-year tenure (2023-24).  Rajib Ghosh, Chief Reporter of DBC News, has been elected Vice President unopposed while  Ziaul Hoque Sabuj, Special Correspondent of Bangla Vision, has been elected General Secretary with Abdul Baten Biplob (Asian TV) elected Joint General Secretary. Chief Election Commissioner Mashiur Rahaman and two Election Commissioners Golam Mujtaba Dhruba and Sohel Hossain announced the election results after the vote casting on Friday. Earlier, the Annual General Meeting of the Forum was held at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium with outgoing President Nadira Kiron in the cheir. Read more: ATJFB joins beach cleanup on World Tourism Day Shafiullah Sumon (BTV) has been elected Treasurer unopposed while Emrul Kausar Emon (Daily Bhorer Dak) elected Organizing Secretary of the Forum.

The Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) Monday joined a beach cleanup programme in Cox's Bazar to mark World Tourism Day.ATJFB President Nadira Kiron and General Secretary Tanzim Anwar led the forum members in encouraging everyone to keep the beach neat and clean.The flow of tourists keeps increasing in the beach town with the improvement of the Covid-19 situation.The pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – the UN agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. READ: World Tourism Day: ATJFB to join beach cleanup Monday Both developed and developing economies have been hit; marginalised groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all, said the UN agency.The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly, it said.The UNWTO designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on tourism for inclusive growth.This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person, said the UN agency. READ: Nadira, Tanzim President, GS of ATJFB new ECThe UNWTO invited its member states, as well as non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses and individuals to celebrate tourism's unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future.World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on September 27, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

As the flow of tourists keeps increasing with the improvement of the Covid-19 situation in the country, the Aviation and Tourism Journalists' Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) will join hands in Cox's Bazar beach cleanup Monday to mark World Tourism Day. ATJFB President Nadira Kiron and General Secretary Tanzim Anwar will lead the forum members in encouraging everyone to keep the beach neat and clean. The pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – the UN agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Read: World Tourism Day: President, PM stress collective effort for development of tourism sector Both developed and developing economies have been hit; marginalised groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all, said the UN agency. The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly, it added. The UNWTO has designated World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on tourism for inclusive growth. Read: World Tourism Day: Govts urged to support digital technologies This is an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that, behind every number, there is a person, said the UN agency. The UNWTO invited its member states, as well as non-members, sister UN agencies, businesses and individuals to celebrate tourism's unique ability to ensure that nobody is left behind as the world begins to open up again and look to the future. World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on September 27, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers at a virtual discussion viewed that the current tobacco control Act needs to be amended to ensure  cent percent smoking-free environment for the expansion of the tourism and hospitality sector. There should be no  smoking zone in the restaurants to protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoking, they said.  Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) hosted the event and discussed the necessity of amending the Smoking and Tobacco Usge (Control) Act 2005.  Read:WHO to launch initiative to help 1.3 bln people quit smoking The event held on Tuesday was chaired by Nadira Kiran, President, ATJFB and News Editor, ATN Bangla.  Lead Policy Advisor of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Bangladesh Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Grants Manager Abdus Salam Mia, Senior Policy Advisor Md. Ataur Rahman Masud, Communications officer Sarkar Shams Bin Sharif, Assistant Director of Dhaka Ahsania Mission Mukhlesur Rahman, Tanzim Anwar, General Secretary, ATJFB and Online Incharge, BSS, spoke at the meeting.  

Nadira Kiron of ATN Bangla and Tanzim Anwar of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) have been elected President and General Secretary respectively of Aviation and Tourism Journalists’ Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB).

Speakers at a roundtable here on Tuesday night highlighted the importance of connectivity to give a big boost to tourism, ensuring continuation of its growing contribution to the economy.