JS body for not renewing job contract of Biman MD Kyle Haywood

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry yesterday recommended that the government do not renew the job contract of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Kyle Haywood because of his "poor performance".

The committee came up with the recommendation at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Kyle Haywood, a UK citizen, joined the national flag carrier as its MD and chief executive officer on January 5.

Haywood was appointed on a one-year contract with the provision of extension of his service. He replaced Kevin John Steele who was Biman's first ever foreign MD and CEO.

Faruk Khan, chief of the committee, told The Daily Star that Haywood's performance in the last 10 months was not satisfactory.

"He cannot perform well. In the last 10 months of his job, he was on leave for around a month. Now he wants further leave," he said.

"The MD has failed to prove his efficiency. Biman pays him over Tk 10 lakh every month," he added.

He said the committee had also recommended that the ministry concerned takes a quick decision over the appointment of Biman's next MD.

Faruk said they had also asked the authorities concerned to investigate the reported harassment of Hajjis in getting their luggage and place the enquiry report before the committee as soon as possible.

Khan, also a ruling Awami League lawmaker, said they had also asked the ministry officials to place its plans before the parliamentary body on the development of Chittagong airport over the next 10 years.

The body suggested increasing skilled manpower through direct recruitment and promotion in Biman.

The meeting was informed that there had been a government plan to upgrade Syedpur and Barisal airports.

A project proposal was sent to the ministry for conducting a feasibility study, formulating designs, preparing a master plan and making estimates by appointing a consultancy firm to develop the two airports.

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