Probe finds major faults in aircraft used for VVIP flight carrying Tarique Rahman
The aircraft experienced repeated technical problems, while coordination failures among engineering and safety departments created significant operational risks
ATT Correspondent 
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines investigation has uncovered serious maintenance irregularities and repeated mechanical faults in a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that was used for a VVIP flight carrying present Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on December 25, 2025.
According to the investigation report, the aircraft experienced repeated technical problems, while coordination failures among engineering and safety departments created significant operational risks, according to media reports.
The airline formed an internal probe committee to investigate the matter. The committee was headed by Deputy Chief Engineer (Base Maintenance) Md Mansurul Alam, with Finance Manager Abdullah Al Mamun serving as member secretary and Deputy General Manager (Training – Aircraft/Aero) Muhammad Jubyarul Islam as a member.
A copy of the report has already been submitted to the airline’s Engineering and Material Management Division.
However, officials from Biman declined to comment publicly on the findings.
The report raises questions about the role of two Biman engineers, Hiralal and Md Saifuzzaman Khan, in handling the aircraft’s maintenance and fault management.
Investigators found several irregularities during maintenance activities conducted on December 9 and December 17. According to the report, maintenance work carried out on December 10 was completed within just two to two-and-a-half hours, which the committee described as unusually short compared with the standard time required to service a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The committee also flagged the absence of detailed diagnostic logs and manpower records related to fault detection and testing, describing it as a serious procedural violation.
Investigators said there was a lack of effective coordination among the airline’s relevant departments. Although the same technical fault occurred three times within a 15-day period, it was not identified as a recurring issue.
Aircraft systems usually store data from the last 27 flights.
However, investigators found insufficient data available when the probe began, suggesting that critical mechanical information had not been properly recorded or preserved.
On December 21, while operating flight BG-202 from London to Sylhet, the aircraft reportedly experienced another malfunction in the VFSG system during the flight. The report warned that such failures could potentially lead to fire hazards or serious gearbox damage.
The investigation expressed concern that due to incorrect fault diagnosis by the engineering division, the aircraft was later used for a VVIP mission, creating a high-level safety risk.
The report also estimates that repeated component replacements, removing parts from other aircraft, deploying additional manpower and transportation expenses caused financial losses of around Tk 26 crore.
According to the probe committee, the issue was not merely a component failure but reflected a broader systemic breakdown in maintenance oversight and coordination.
The committee recommended accountability measures against the two engineers, noting that they did not exercise adequate caution or verification before clearing the aircraft for flight operations.
In particular, investigators highlighted the decision to approve the aircraft for service despite receiving a warning about low fuel pressure, describing it as a serious lapse in judgement.
The report urged the airline to take necessary steps to determine responsibility and strengthen oversight to prevent similar risks in the future.
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