Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- Former interim government advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has been relieved of his duties as chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, six months after his appointment.

A notice issued on Tuesday said Bashir, who had been in charge of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, had been released from the post in line with his wishes.

There had been speculation in recent days that he would step down and return to his business group, AkijBashir Group. The order was issued on Tuesday, the same day the new government took oath.

Bashir was appointed chairman of the national flag carrier on Aug 26 last year, after becoming an advisor in April. He was then overseeing both the ministries of civil Aviation and tourism and commerce. ...