State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali has said in an exclusive interview with Bangla Tribune that corrupt elements within Biman have been identified and steps against them will be taken soon.

Son of late Moulana Asad Ali, a close confidante of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Advocate Mahbub Ali was elected from Habiganj-4 for the second time and was given post of state minister for civil aviation and tourism.

He has recently talked to Bangla Tribune about the experiences of the last seven months in his new post.

Excerpts of his interview are given below:

Bangla Tribune: How’s your experience as state minister?

Mahbub Ali: Not Bad. Every one pointed the work in this department as challenging but I have taken it positively. There has been plenty of criticism about Biman Bangladesh Airlines in the media and based on that, I am moving forward. Life is all about facing challenges in the right spirit; we liberated this country facing insurmountable challenges and to give us a free land, Bangabandhu endured years of incarceration, torture and oppression.

Bangla Tribune: What are your plans for celebrating Bangabandhu’s centenary?

Mahbub Ali: We have several plans in alignment with national level programmes. We will give special fares for passengers and the airport will be illuminated. Special events will also be arranged at overseas tourist spots.

Bangla Tribune: For the expansion of tourism, coordinated efforts by several ministries need to be taken; what have been done so far in this regard?

Mahbub Ali: Tourism is a vast arena and involves several ministries. Tourists will go to places where they can easily move about in a favourable environment.

We have a positive outlook on the matter; only government security won’t do. The locals need to ensure security for people too.

Bangla Tribune: What steps have you taken to address problems with the airport immigration?

Mahbub Ali: The airport is a gateway for tourists to come; immigration is usually done by the police.

A few Japanese citizens who have come to Bangladesh recently told me that they had to wait four hours at the airport; we informed this to the home ministry. An assistant superintendent of police came to me with information which showed that the Japanese citizens were given service within 30 minutes. So, we are getting two conflicting statements here. However, I have given instruction to ensure easy immigration services within the shortest possible time.

Once, the main complaint at the airport was the delay in the arrival of luggage; now luggage comes in 16 minutes. We have installed CCTV cameras to prevent stealing and maintain regular link with the NBR to minimise harassment at customs.

Bangla Tribune: Why can’t the entry of too many people, accompanying ministers, MPs and political leaders be stopped despite orders from the PM?

Mahbub Ali: We have increased security; most countries have one scanning machine but we have installed two at the airports and have not made any compromises on the issue of security. We have also taken a strict stance about too many people entering the airport.

Bangla Tribune: Of late, ACC has carried out some investigation about corruption of Biman officials; what steps have been taken to prevent graft?

Mahbub Ali: We are investigating allegations of corruption and once we get evidence, steps will be taken.

No punitive measure has been taken as yet though preventive mechanisms are in place; several people have been transferred to break the chain of corruption. However, once we get proof, the guilty will be punished.

Bangla Tribune: In 2014, Biman bought 2 planes from Egypt Air, and for this, incurred Tk 100 million loss every month. Were any steps taken against those responsible?

Mahbub Ali: A parliamentary probe committee was formed; the ministry is also carrying out investigation. We shall take steps after the report of the probe committee. Some culprits have already been identified. Once we get the probe report, swift action will be taken.

We have also got a new chairman of civil aviation and many people accused of malpractice were transferred.

Bangla Tribune: What is the progress in the construction of Bangabandhu Airport?

Mahbub Ali: A survey is underway to identify a spot. People in Arial Beel who opposed the idea in the beginning, now want the airport and, we hope to act quickly on the matter.

Bangla Tribune: What are the initiatives to turn Syedpur into a regional airport?

Mahbub Ali: Around 900 acres of land have been acquired in Syedpur and work will begin soon; I have also given instructions to improve the outlook of the airport and the tender evaluation process for the third terminal is almost over. We will issue work order within the next two months and everything will be automated in the third terminal.