Biman Bangladesh Airlines Names First Female CEO After Arrest

February 5, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1770309690455-2438

Bangladesh's National Carrier Appoints Humaira Sultana Amid Leadership Crisis

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has appointed Humaira Sultana as its new head following the arrest and dismissal of former CEO Shafiqur Rahman. The appointment comes amid a leadership crisis for the national carrier, which has struggled with profitability pressures and competition from regional and Middle Eastern carriers. According to AeroTime, Sultana’s elevation places her at the center of efforts to stabilize operations and restore confidence in the airline’s leadership. The arrest of a sitting airline chief executive is a rare and serious development in commercial aviation, adding to the challenges facing Biman as it seeks to improve performance and reputation.

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Key Takeaways

Humaira Sultana appointed as Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ new head.
Former CEO Shafiqur Rahman arrested and dismissed due to alleged child abuse.
Sultana becomes first woman to lead the airline since its establishment in 1972.

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Strategic Implications

This appointment may indicate a shift towards more effective management at Biman, given the challenges facing the airline. Sultana’s elevation suggests an effort to restore confidence and stability, which could positively impact operational discipline and reputation. However, the circumstances surrounding Rahman’s arrest raise concerns about the airline’s ability to address long-running financial and operational issues.