Biman Ex-MD Granted Bail

A Dhaka court has granted bail to Saffiqul Rahman, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in a case involving allegations of child domestic worker abuse. The order was issued following a hearing at the Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court-3 in Dhaka.

Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury approved the bail on a personal bond of Tk 5,000 after the hearing concluded. The decision was confirmed by state prosecutor Md Jahirul Islam (Kaiyum). Defence counsel Md Khoshed Alam submitted the bail application, stating that the accused is a “simple and innocent person,” previously held a senior position in a major national organisation, and is currently suffering from health complications. The defence also sought bail on humanitarian grounds.

According to case documents, the complainant is the father of the alleged child victim, who works in a hotel. He stated that he became acquainted with a security guard named Jahangir, employed at the residence of Saffiqul Rahman and his wife Bithi. Through this connection, he was informed that a young girl was needed for child care at the household.

The complainant later visited the residence and met Saffiqul Rahman and his wife. They allegedly assured him that they would cover all expenses of the child, including marriage-related costs in the future. Based on this assurance, he placed his 11-year-old daughter in their care in June of the previous year.

The complaint further states that the child was last seen in good health on 2 November of the previous year. After that date, repeated attempts by the father to meet his daughter were reportedly denied by the household under various pretexts.

On 31 January, the child’s mother was contacted by Bithi, who informed her that the girl was unwell and should be taken away. When the mother arrived to collect the child, she was instructed to wait outside. The child was eventually handed over around 7 pm that evening.

Upon receiving the child, the parents observed serious injuries on both arms and other parts of her body. The child was reportedly unable to speak properly. She was subsequently admitted to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in Gazipur.

During treatment, the child reportedly stated that after 2 November she was subjected to repeated physical assault, including being beaten without reason and burned with a heated metal ladle by Saffiqul Rahman, his wife Bithi, and others.

Following these allegations, a case was filed at Uttara West Police Station on 1 February under child abuse charges. On 2 February, police detained Saffiqul Rahman, his wife Bithi, security guard Jahangir, and two domestic workers, Rupali Khatun and Mosa: Sufia Begum, from a residence in Uttara Sector 9. They were subsequently shown arrested on 5 February and sent to jail through court orders. Following the incident, Saffiqul Rahman was removed from his official position in the airline.

While bail has been granted to Saffiqul Rahman, the remaining three accused continue to be held in custody.

Case Details