Two cabin crew members were removed from Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-202, which is scheduled to carry BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman from London to Dhaka on December 25. The decision was reportedly made late at night following intelligence reports citing possible political affiliations and potential security risks to the VIP passenger.

The removed crew members, Junior Purser Md. Saugatul Alam Saugat and Flight Stewardess Jinia Islam Jinia, were replaced by Flight Purser Mostafa and Flight Stewardess Ayat, according to the airline’s flight service department. Intelligence sources indicated that the move was precautionary, aiming to ensure the safety of all passengers, including Rahman and senior BNP leaders accompanying him.

This is not the first such incident. In May, two other crew members were similarly removed from a flight carrying BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, also based on intelligence alerts. The latest replacement underscores heightened scrutiny and security measures surrounding high-profile political figures’ travel ahead of Rahman’s anticipated return to Bangladesh.