Civil Aviation and Tourism minister Afroza Khanam Rita has urged all employees of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Biman) to work together in transforming the national carrier into a profitable and passenger-friendly organisation.

It was informed through a press release sent by Tarikul Islam, the ministry's information and public relations officer.

Speaking at a meeting with airline officials and staff at Biman’s Balaka office in Kurmitola on Monday morning, the minister reminded employees that their salaries ultimately come from ordinary passengers. She said showing proper respect to travellers was a moral duty.

The minister also mentioned that promotions should be based on performance monitoring. She expressed hope that vacant positions would be filled quickly and that salary and allowances would be raised to satisfactory levels.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as special guest. He said that the current government was people-friendly and democratic, adding that the aim was to make Biman a model institution.

Discussions covered short and long-term plans for the airline’s overall development. Key points included adding new aircraft swiftly, increasing the number of wheelchairs for elderly and special needs passengers, and strengthening connections between international and domestic flights.

After the meeting, both ministers visited the Biman Flight Catering Centre to inspect cleanliness standards.