Biman Bangladesh Airlines names first female chief executive after CEO’s arrest

Bangladesh’s civil aviation ministry has appointed Humaira Sultana as the new head of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, following the arrest and dismissal of the carrier’s former chief executive.

In a formal notice issued on February 3, 2026, the ministry said former CEO Shafiqur Rahman had been “charged with a criminal offence and imprisoned,” prompting the cancellation of his appointment. According to the ministry, Rahman was arrested in connection with allegations of violating Bangladesh’s “repression prevention” laws, based on a case filed in Dhaka.     According to Bangladeshi media reports, Rahman was arrested on February 2 at his residence in Uttara, Dhaka, following a case filed under the country’s Children Repression Prevention Act. Police said the case involves allegations that a child domestic worker employed at Rahman’s home was subjected to repeated physical abuse over an extended period. Rahman was taken into custody by Uttara West police and produced before a local court, which ordered him jailed as the investigation continues.  

Given the circumstances, the ministry said Sultana had been given “additional responsibilities” to lead the airline, citing the need to ensure “efficient and effective management” at the state-owned carrier. Her appointment makes her the first woman to head Biman since its establishment in 1972.   

The leadership change comes as Biman continues to face long-running financial and operational challenges, including profitability pressures and competition from regional and Middle Eastern carriers.   

Details about Sultana’s prior role within the organization were not outlined in the ministry’s announcement, but her elevation places her at the center of efforts to stabilize operations and restore confidence in the airline’s leadership. Biman operates a mixed fleet that includes Boeing 737s, 787 Dreamliners, and turboprop aircraft, serving domestic routes as well as destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.   

The arrest of a sitting airline chief executive is a rare and serious development in commercial aviation, and it adds to the challenges facing Biman as it seeks to improve performance and reputation. While the ministry has not provided further information about the case against Rahman, it has moved quickly to install new leadership rather than leaving the carrier in an extended period of uncertainty.   

Biman has struggled for years to achieve consistent profitability, relying at times on government support while attempting to modernize its fleet and expand international services. The airline’s management stability has been an ongoing concern, with frequent leadership changes complicating long-term planning and reform efforts.   

Sultana’s appointment is likely to be closely watched both inside Bangladesh and by international partners, particularly as the airline works to strengthen operational discipline and rebuild trust with regulators, suppliers, and passengers. As the first woman to lead the national carrier, her tenure also represents a symbolic milestone for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, even as she takes on the role under difficult circumstances.   

The civil aviation ministry has not indicated whether Sultana’s appointment is permanent or interim, nor has it outlined a broader restructuring plan for the airline. For now, the priority appears to be maintaining continuity at the top of Biman while authorities address the legal case involving the former chief executive.   The post Biman Bangladesh Airlines names first female chief executive after CEO’s arrest appeared first on AeroTime.

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