In a swift and decisive move following a shocking criminal scandal, the Government of Bangladesh has terminated the contract of Md Safiqur Rahman, the Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. In his stead, Dr Humaira Sultana, currently serving as the Additional Secretary (Aircraft and Civil Aviation) at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, has been appointed to lead the national flag carrier.
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A Career Terminated by Criminal Charges
The downfall of Safiqur Rahman came abruptly in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February. Acting on reports of severe domestic abuse, the Uttara West Police conducted a raid at his residence in Sector 9 of Uttara at approximately 3:30 am. Rahman was arrested alongside his wife and two others following allegations of “inhumane torture” inflicted upon an 11-year-old domestic helper.
The severity of the criminal charges made his continued leadership of the national airline untenable. An official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism confirmed that his contractual appointment was being rescinded with immediate effect due to his incarceration and the nature of the criminal allegations.
Ensuring Administrative Continuity
To prevent a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture for the airline, the Ministry has entrusted the CEO’s responsibilities to Dr Humaira Sultana. She will hold the position in an interim capacity until a permanent successor is formally appointed. The Ministry’s order emphasised that this change was essential to ensure the “efficient and effective management” of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Key Leadership Transition Details
| Detail | Terminated Executive | Newly Appointed (Interim) |
| Name | Md Safiqur Rahman | Dr Humaira Sultana |
| Former Role | MD & CEO, Biman | Additional Secretary, Aviation Ministry |
| Reason for Change | Arrest on criminal charges | Ensuring administrative stability |
| Legal Status | In custody (as of 2 Feb 2026) | Active Civil Servant |
| Effective Date | 3 February 2026 | 3 February 2026 |
Public and Institutional Reaction
The arrest of a high-ranking official on charges of child abuse has sent shockwaves through the civil service and the aviation industry. The swift termination of Rahman’s contract is being viewed as a signal of the government’s low tolerance for domestic violence and human rights violations, even among the social elite.
Dr Sultana takes the helm at a time when Biman is navigating complex post-pandemic recovery and fleet expansion discussions. Her background as an Additional Secretary within the Ministry provides her with the institutional knowledge required to steady the ship, though the industry remains watchful for how this scandal might affect the airline’s international reputation.
As of this morning, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has not released an independent statement, deferring all communications to the Ministry’s official mandate.