Dhaka: The government has sent 9 senior officers, including an additional police superintendent of Bangladesh Police, on compulsory retirement.

They were sent on retirement in separate notifications by the Home Ministry on Wednesday (November 6).

Among the officers sent on retirement are an additional police superintendent and eight assistant police superintendent-rank officers.

The notification signed by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry, on the orders of the President, said that the members of the BCS (Police) cadre have been retired from service in the public interest as per the provisions of Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). They will be entitled to retirement benefits as per the rules.

The officers sent on compulsory retirement are - Additional Superintendent of Police Bhuiyan Mahbub Hasan of APBN, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Hasan Jhantu of CID, Md. Ziaur Rahman of CID (ordered to transfer to APBN), Assistant Superintendent of Police Abu Md. Fazlul Karim of SB, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ranjit Kumar Barua of Industrial Area Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police Appella Raju Naha of Betbunia PSTS, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Aktaruzzaman of CID, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman of Sylhet SMP and Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Azizur Rahman Sarkar of Madhabpur Circle.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has voiced serious concern regarding the persistent deliberate attacks on journalists and the media, lawsuits motivated by personal grievances, and malicious actions by ulterior motives that are intended to harass. TIB cautions that these actions are not conducive to the establishment of an anti-discriminatory ‘New Bangladesh’.

In a press release issued today, TIB called on the interim government to implement strong measures to protect journalistic freedom, creating a secure and fearless environment for the media. TIB posed a challenging question: "Is media freedom just a hollow promise?"

Expressing profound concern regarding the assaults and restrictions imposed on numerous media outlets by self-serving entities, along with the rampant lawsuits and intimidation faced by journalists, TIB Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated, “Throughout the period of the fallen authoritarian regime, Bangladesh’s position in the World Press Freedom Index fell by 42 steps over 14 years, with all standards of media freedom consistently declining.”

The tragic loss of life and the sacrifices made by students present a unique opportunity for the advancement of a new Bangladesh. The interim government has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that media freedom is upheld and that journalism is safeguarded from external influences. However, TIB notes with deep concern that various self-interested groups are intensifying attacks on certain media organizations, engaging in slander, threats, and intimidation. It appears that attempts are being made to suppress the media, harass journalists, or manipulate coverage whenever it challenges the interests of powerful factions. Such incidents serve as a troubling signal for the future of a free press in Bangladesh.”

Dr. Zaman expressed concern that attacks on journalists reflect negatively on the ‘New Bangladesh’.

He elaborated, “Arbitrary threats, attacks, sieges, and, in certain instances, trivial lawsuits designed to resolve personal disputes or the complete revocation of accreditation cards are unmistakable indicators of an anti-people authoritarian regime. TIB contends that efforts to regulate the media, echoing the practices of the fallen authoritarian regime, contradict the ethos of free thought and the anti-discrimination principles that characterize the ‘New Bangladesh,’ a nation forged through the remarkable sacrifices of its students.

TIB draws attention to that the suppression of dissent and the insecurity experienced by media will inevitably lead to the resurgence of authoritarianism. We urge the interim government to act swiftly and forcefully to establish a fearless atmosphere for independent journalists. If not, there is a serious chance that media freedom may turn into an empty promise.”

TIB ED said, “TIB thinks that journalists accused of specific criminal acts or those actively involved in authoritarianism should be thoroughly probed. However, incidents such as arbitrary cases against journalists labelling them as the associates of the fallen authoritarian government; the cancellation of permanent and temporary press accreditation cards given by the Press Information Department; threats; and dismissals; do not convey any positive message regarding media freedom in the country. Rather, they serve the interests of those who follow the perilous theory that "dissent is the friend of tyranny." To be very clear, TIB does not believe that any journalist should be penalized for engaging in journalism. Simultaneously, TIB urges journalists and the media to maintain ethical journalistic standards and prevent the abuse of their authority.”

Dhaka: The number of flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines on the Dhaka-London route is being increased to 5. For this, the management authority of Biman has applied to the Heathrow Airport Authority for a 5th frequency. If it is approved, 5 flights will be operated on this route soon.

According to Biman sources, the management authority of the company is mainly increasing the number of flights on profitable routes to make the national flag carrier more dynamic. At the same time, the number of flights on loss-making routes is being reduced. In the meantime, the number of flights on the profitable Dhaka-Toronto route has been increased to three.

Meanwhile, the number of flights on the loss-making Dhaka-Narita and Dhaka-Manchester routes has been reduced by one each. In addition, the number of flights on the Dhaka-Kolkata and Dhaka-Delhi routes has been reduced.

Investigations have revealed that Biman is losing Tk. 1 crore 10 lakh on the Dhaka-Manchester route, Tk. 88 lakh on the Dhaka-Rome route and Tk. 20 crore on Narita every month. Until its closure in August 2006, each Dhaka-New York flight was losing Tk. 50 lakh. At that time, Biman had closed loss-making routes like Paris, Netherlands, Manchester, Frankfurt, Narita, and Rome. Later, the Rome, Narita, and Frankfurt routes were reopened.

The Rome flight was closed in two phases due to losses. This route was recently reopened. Frankfurt was reopened in 2014 and closed again within a few days.

Along with this, the number of routes has been reduced in some places to increase the efficiency of the existing routes. Basically, the number of flights has been increased on routes where there are fewer passengers or less demand, while the number of flights has been increased on routes where there is more demand. As a result, Biman's marketing department hopes that the airline's income will increase in the future on profitable routes.

Biman's management authorities said from previous bitter experiences that it is very important to operate the airline's current routes more efficiently. From now on, proper market research will be required in launching any new route. No steps will be taken to launch or expand routes without research.

In addition, Biman is keeping a special eye on promising destinations like Maldives. To increase the connectivity of the Dhaka-Rome route, it is working to enter into code sharing partnerships with various domestic routes from Rome to Italy and various parts of Europe. In the meantime, Biman has finalized an SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement) agreement with Italy's flag carrier ITA Airways. Biman is also preparing to enter into an SPA with Japan Airlines.

Meanwhile, Biman is planning to land in Rome, Italy, instead of a stopover in Istanbul for efficient crew management. This is because the Istanbul airport authorities have already informed Biman to use a nearby airport instead of the main Istanbul airport.