Former Biman CEO Granted Bail in Child Abuse Case

The Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court-3 has granted bail to Safiqur Rahman, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in a case involving the alleged torture of an 11-year-old domestic worker. Following a formal hearing, Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury approved the bail application against a bond of 5,000 BDT. The decision was confirmed by the state prosecutor, Advocate Md. Zohirul Islam (Kaiyum).

Legal Arguments for Defence

During the proceedings, defence counsel Md. Khorshed Alam petitioned for his client’s release on several grounds. The application described Mr Rahman as a “simple and innocent individual” who had previously held a prestigious position within a major national institution. Furthermore, the lawyer cited Mr Rahman’s current physical ailments, appealing to the court to grant bail on humanitarian grounds. While the former CEO has been released, three other co-accused—his wife, Beethi, and two other domestic workers, Rupali Khatun and Mst. Sufia Begum—remain in custody.

Background and Allegations

The case originated from a complaint filed by the victim’s father, a hotel employee. According to the case statement, the father was introduced to Safiqur Rahman’s household through Jahangir, a security guard at the residence. In June of the previous year, the father agreed to employ his 11-year-old daughter at the Rahman residence in Sector 9, Uttara, after being assured by the couple that they would oversee the child’s welfare and eventual marriage expenses.

The complainant stated that he last saw his daughter in good health on 2nd November. However, subsequent attempts to visit her were repeatedly blocked by the family under various pretexts. On 31st January, at approximately 1:30 pm, Beethi Rahman contacted the father to inform him that the girl was ill and requested her removal from the house. When the father arrived, he was made to wait until 7:00 pm, at which point the child was handed over to him outside the residence.

Discovery of Abuse and Medical Evidence

Upon receiving his daughter, the father discovered extensive physical injuries. The girl had severe wounds on both arms and other parts of her body and was reportedly unable to speak clearly. Following an unsatisfactory explanation from the employers, the child was admitted to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in Gazipur for treatment.

The victim later revealed that since 2nd November, she had been subjected to repeated physical assaults by Safiqur Rahman, his wife, and other unidentified individuals. The allegations specify that the child was burnt with heated spatulas (khunti), resulting in serious injuries across her body.

Case Timeline and Key Information

Administrative Consequences

Following the filing of the case under the child suppression and abuse laws on 1st February, law enforcement conducted a raid on the Rahman residence in the early hours of 2nd February. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism subsequently removed Safiqur Rahman from his executive duties at the national flag carrier in response to the gravity of the allegations. The legal process continues as investigators compile further evidence regarding the conduct of the household members.