Nine-hour ordeal a shame for the ministry

We would like to take issue with the parties concerned -- the government or the ministry, the Biman authorities, Biman employees and the civil aviation authority at the airports. The ministry and Biman authorities, through their nonchalant attitude towards, and callous handling of, the employees' simmering demands, virtually courted eruption of these as on Tuesday.

There is clearly no mechanism to stop any agitation snowballing into a full scale crisis. Biman has become a hotbed of employees' problems, strident trade unionism, management sloth and operational inefficiency, all in a dangerous brew. The strike call by the Biman employees without notice showed total disregard for the passengers and the foreign airlines. Some airlines had to reroute their flights but those landing at the airports had to pass through an excruciating ordeal. Passengers didn't get their luggage, many had to go home without their personal effects and those seeking onward connections did not know what would to do. The passengers had to suffer because of the extremely irresponsible behaviour on the part of the Biman staff.

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The airport authorities on their level also failed miserably in their duty. There was a total blackout on information which added to the sufferings of the passengers. And they failed to ensure the basic amenities like power and water supply for the long-waiting passengers.

All this is a reflection of the way Biman and civil aviation authorities have been working. They have to perform better, or else the government has to intervene to set things right.

The strike cost Biman at least half a million US dollar by one count, which is a blow to the fragile financial health of Biman that has been in the red year after year. The strike couldn't but tell upon its goodwill.