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Biman Bangladesh Airlines has sent a legal notice to US Bangla Airlines and its newly appointed pilot, Captain Sazid Ahmed, stating that the pilot was recruited without following due process of law.
The notice demands the cancellation or suspension of Sazid's appointment until he provides the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his previous workplace, Biman, as required by the ruling of the High Court division.
It also urges US Bangla to adhere to proper resignation procedures.
Otherwise, Biman will initiate further legal action as available under law, the notice warns.
Barrister Md Hafizur Rahaman Khan, a Supreme Court lawyer, sent the legal notice on Thursday on behalf of Biman.
Sazid joined Biman on May 13, 2001, as a First Officer for the F-28 aircraft.
After an investigation into an allegation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) took action on November 23, 2023, and suspended Sazid's license, effectively halting his ability to perform professional duties.
However, the suspension was lifted on September 26, 2024, allowing him to resume his professional activities.
However, the captain resigned from Biman on October 24, 2024 with immediate effect.
Biman stated in the legal notice, "The employment of pilots is governed by the BAPA Agreement. According to the agreement, the notice period for resignation shall be in accordance with Biman's policy, specifically the Biman Bangladesh Airlines Employer Service Regulations 1979. The regulations state that an officer with over 10 years of service must provide a notice period of three months in the event of resignation."
On October 30 of last year, Biman issued a show cause notice to Captain Sazid for his involvement as a cockpit crew member on a Dubai-Dhaka flight of US Bangla Airlines while he was still employed with Biman.
Captain Sazid was appointed by US Bangla Airlines as Executive Vice President, effective from January 12, 2024, while he sent his resignation on October 24, 2024.
The High Court, in a ruling, stated that pilots or engineers of airlines must submit an NOC from their previous employer before being recruited by another airline.
Failing to comply with the NOC requirement is a disregard for a key legal obligation. If such actions are not addressed, it could set a precedent among employees encouraging them to switch jobs without adhering to necessary formalities and established rules.