Steele denies row with Biman board

Former Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Kevin Steele has refuted the media reports that a row with the flag carrier’s Board of Directors and chairman led to his resignation.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 25 March 2014, 04:26 PM
Updated : 25 March 2014, 04:36 PM

In an e-mail sent to the media on Tuesday, he reiterated that he resigned on medical grounds.

Steele, the first foreign MD of Biman, on Sunday admitted to the media that he quitted his job.

In an e-mail to bdnews24.com on Sunday, he had cited medical grounds for his resignation. But several media reports claimed that a row with the Biman board and its chairman had led to the resignation.

In the message written on Biman’s official pad, Steele on Tuesday said he tendered his resignation in December last year, giving 4 months notice, and his final departure was on or before Apr 17, 2014.

He said he had no row with Biman board and its chairman.

The Briton said he received full support from both the Biman chairman and the board. “I have very good relations with all members of the board. Nothing the board have said or done has in any way contributed to my resignation.”

Steele said he contracted tuberculosis after coming to Bangladesh about five months ago.

He also contracted a virus that caused a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a mild stroke.

“None of these illnesses were present when I joined Biman. This means I am not able to work a full working week, let alone the 70-80 hours a week that I have been working.”

Steele is supposed to go back to the UK on Apr 17.

In the message, he thanked the Biman board and chairman for their help and guidance during his tenure as the managing director and the chief executive officer.

Steele, having over 30 years of experience in the airline industry, took over as the Biman MD and CEO on Mar 18, 2013.

The former general manager (sales and revenue development) of British Airways was chosen by Biman board from among 42 aspirants.