Foreign trips: Why must CAAB delegation have a ministry representative?

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is sending an accounts officer of the civil aviation ministry in its delegation for a high-profile aviation event in Sri Lanka, triggering questions over the relevance of the said officer in such a technical event.

The decision comes amid backlash over a joint secretary's inclusion in a recent Japan tour with CAAB officials. The joint secretary was included in the delegation, replacing the officials originally recommended by the CAAB, sources from the CAAB claim.

CAAB officials say the inclusion of the ministry's officials in such aviation-related tours is to ease the process of obtaining government orders (GOs) for such visits.

According to the GO for the Sri Lanka tour, signed on 7 August by Rumana Yeasmin, senior assistant secretary of the ministry, the CAAB officials nominated are SM Lutful Kabir, director (ANS Inspection), Md Anwar Hossain, deputy director (CNS-ANS), and Ashraful Alam, flight operation inspector.

From the ministry, the delegation includes its Accounts Officer Md Shahabuddin Howlader.

They will attend the EU-South Asia Aviation Partnership Project Launch Workshop and SARI (South Asian Regional Initiative) Steering Committee Meeting in Negombo, Sri Lanka from 11 to 14 August.

The project aims to develop the EU's partnership with South Asia, enhance safety and improve environmental protection and climate change action in the field of civil aviation.

Sources from the CAAB say the authority initially recommended a relevant technical officer to attend the Sri Lanka event. However, the ministry included the name of its accounts officer, who reportedly had no professional involvement with the project.

"We cannot change the name once the ministry nominates an official, as they are the authority to issue the GO. Instead of the ministry accountant, the official [of CAAB] who oversees the relevant files, could have been nominated for the visit [to Sri Lanka] instead," a CAAB official told TBS, requesting anonymity.

The terms and conditions of the visit suggest that the delegation will be considered on duty during the period of their visit, will draw their usual pay and allowances in local currency, and all expenses related to their visit will be borne by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and South Asian Regional Initiative (SARI).

Asked about his nomination, Accounts Officer Md Shahabuddin Howlader told TBS, "Our higher authority is well-informed about my nomination."

Talking to TBS on Sunday, Nasreen Jahan, secretary of the civil aviation ministry, explained, "The accounts officer is a Grade-9 official. He is involved in various types of audits. When officials of this level attend such training programmes, they gain insights into different aspects of auditing. That is why he is being given the opportunity to go on the tour [to Sri Lanka]."

Regarding sending the accounts officer on the Sri Lanka tour, aviation expert wing commander (retd) ATM Nazrul Islam told TBS, "It's beyond my understanding what an accounts officer would do on such a visit. If it was really necessary, they could have assigned a desk officer from the CAAB or someone related to aviation matters."

He alleged that the ministry has long been engaging in such unprofessional practices.

CAAB blames ministry for delays

CAAB sources claim that they are often compelled to include a ministry representative – regardless of their relevance to the visit – otherwise, the relevant government order is not issued.

They explained that a decade ago, the CAAB could prepare GOs on its own for sending its personnel abroad. At one point, the ministry brought the authority under its own control.

Regarding the issue, a CAAB official told TBS on condition of anonymity, "We used to be able to issue GOs ourselves because of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit. One of the things they want to know during their audit is – what powers does the [CAAB] chairman have? Specifically, can the chairman appoint staff and send them for foreign training if deemed necessary?

"However, once the ministry took over this authority, delays started. Now, when we send a GO request, it may take one or even two months to be processed – by which time, the training is often over.

"Eventually, we realised that including a ministry official helped speed up the process. So, whenever there was room for four or five participants, we would include one person from the ministry."

Inclusion of joint secretary in Japan tour

Previously, a three-member CAAB delegation visited Japan from 28 July to 3 August to attend the 60th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Region, says the relevant GO issued on 21 July.

From the civil aviation ministry, its Joint Secretary Anup Kumar Talukder was in the delegation.

Sources say the CAAB had originally recommended four officials, including the member (ATM) and director (FS\&R), who were more relevant to the conference. However, they were excluded, while Anup Kumar Talukder was included for unclear reasons.

"His [Anup's] visit to Japan was a complete waste of time and money," a CAAB official told TBS on the condition of anonymity.

Talking to TBS, Anup Kumar, who was transferred from the civil aviation ministry on 6 August, said, "I was the most competent official to attend the programme."

Regarding Anup Kumar's visit to Japan, civil aviation ministry's Secretary Nasreen said, "For none of the visits does the government have to bear any expenses. The organisers cover all costs. And if there is no relevance, we do not send anyone."

CAAB rejoinder and our reply

In the rejoinder, CAAB said the report is "factually incorrect" and suggested it was circulated with a "detrimental purpose." It added that such reporting has the potential to create confusion, mislead the public, and undermine the harmonious working environment essential for the development of the aviation sector.

CAAB stated that it is responsible for coordinating all activities with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable aviation industry in Bangladesh under a comprehensive legal framework.

In doing so, CAAB is committed to compliance with the articles of the Chicago Convention 1944 and ICAO Annexes on behalf of the government of Bangladesh. Discharging CAAB's responsibilities demands seamless cooperation, coordination, and synchronisation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism (MoCAT) for organisational success.

Moreover, MoCAT needs to be kept updated on the latest developments in aviation regulations and procedures. Accordingly, an appropriate-level representative from the ministry is a fundamental requirement in the visiting team. The 60th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Asia and Pacific (APAC) Region was held in Japan from 28 July to 3 August 2025, where Bangladesh sent a three-member team, including a joint secretary from MoCAT.

The MoCAT representative did not replace any of the required personnel from CAAB. Notably, ministry representatives have always been part of delegations to such conferences and meetings, said CAAB.

Similarly, an appropriate team was nominated to attend the EU-South Asia Partnership Project (APP) Launch Workshop and SARI Steering Committee meeting from 11–14 August in Sri Lanka. Due to a last-minute change in the event, the MoCAT member was removed from the visiting team. The rejoinder noted that all expenses for this visit were borne by the organiser.

Our reply

The report was based on verified information from credible sources. It specifically highlighted the inclusion of an accounts officer in the EU-South Asia Partnership Project (APP) Launch Workshop in Sri Lanka, raising legitimate questions about the relevance of a non-technical official in a highly specialised technical event.

Following publication, the official in question was removed from the delegation – a development that reinforces the factual accuracy and merit of our reporting.

Furthermore, in line with standard journalistic practice, the report included statements and perspectives from all relevant parties, including the official and the secretary of the ministry. This demonstrates our commitment to balanced, objective, and responsible journalism.