BanglaPress Desk: The aircraft carrying Prime Minister Tareque Rahman on his return flight from a visit to Japan had five technical faults. These issues were revealed in a report by an investigative committee formed to look into the matter. Experts have called for action to be taken against those responsible if any negligence is uncovered.
On October 29, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman was returning home following a visit to Japan. However, just before takeoff from Narita International Airport, a mechanical fault was detected on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-377.
After extensive efforts by Biman’s own engineering team and Japanese technicians, the faults were repaired, and the VVIP flight departed for Dhaka with a delay of approximately five hours. Given the gravity of the incident, Biman authorities formed a four-member internal investigative committee the following day, October 30.
The investigation, which included a review of the aircraft’s technical logbook and maintenance records, uncovered faults in the spoiler and flap extension systems, the Pitot heating system, and the ram air fan systems on both the right and left sides of the aircraft.
A source within Biman stated that the investigative committee has submitted its report, and the ministry will now determine the next course of action.
Nafiz Imtiaz Uddin, a former director at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, remarked, "The fact that the spoilers were not functioning—moving up and down—points to issues with the sensors and the aircraft itself. Passenger safety is always the top priority; furthermore, when a high-profile figure like the Prime Minister is on board, every aspect of the aircraft should be thoroughly verified. If the investigators have identified any faults, action must certainly be taken."
