CAAB faces scrutiny for appointing ‘unqualified’ flight safety inspector

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has appointed an 'unqualified' official, Kazi Fozia Naher, to the position of Flight Operations Inspector (FOI), bypassing international standards. She lacks both flight experience and a valid pilot's license.

Fozia joined CAAB in 1997 as a librarian under the child quota following her father’s death. She served in administrative and library roles for many years. However, in 2021, CAAB revised its service regulations, allegedly under the influence of powerful quarters, allowing her promotion to the FOI post—despite lacking aviation experience.

Sources claim the rules were specifically altered to pave the way for her advancement.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, recruitment for the FOI position must involve public advertisement, written exams, and selection from among licensed, experienced pilots. There is also an age limit of 30. Fozia was over 49 years old when she was promoted.

Of the eight current FOIs at CAAB, seven are experienced pilots. Fozia is the only exception—holding the position without any flight experience.

Air Vice Marshal Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, told Views Bangladesh that legal action will be taken against anyone who has been appointed illegally.

CAAB has claimed via a WhatsApp message that Fauzia has been assigned “cabin safety” duties. However, her appointment letter makes no such specification.

The Civil Aviation Authority claimed in a written message on WhatsApp that Fozia has been given the responsibility of ‘cabin safety’. However, there is no clear mention of this in her appointment letter.

Experts say that to become a cabin safety inspector, it is mandatory to have at least 10 years of experience as a cabin crew. However, Fawzia does not have any such experience.

Aviation analyst ATM Nazrul Islam said, ‘Such an appointment in the safety and supervision system can put the entire aircraft management system at risk.’

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, ‘This appointment or promotion is questioning the transparency and accountability of the Civil Aviation Authority. The appointment rules have been changed in a way that indicates corruption.

Efforts to obtain Kazi Fozia Naher’s statement regarding the allegations were unsuccessful. She could not be reached in her office, did not respond to phone calls, and did not reply to written queries.