Dear Sir,

Greetings and Salam,

Let me introduce: I am Mr. Bulbul Ahsan (Skywards No: 217106772; Tier: GOLD; Skywards Miles: 72, 892)

As a professional journalist presently I’m working as Editor in Chief & CEO of the BOISHAKHI Television, a renowned satellite television of Bangladesh.
Previously I worked as:
a. Executive Editor, the Daily Sangbad.
b. News Editor, The Daily Jugantor.
c. Chief News Editor, EKUSHEY TELEVISION.
d. Head of News, ATN Bangle.
I am Former Secretary General and President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, BFUJ, the highest body of the professional journalists of Bangladesh.

Presently I’m
a. Senate Member of Dhaka University.
b. Member, Board of Director’s of Bangladesh Open University.
c. Member, Board of Director’s of Press Institute of Bangladesh.
d. Member, Board of Directors of RPCGL
e. Part time teacher of Mass Communication of Journalism of Dhaka University.
Internationally my position is:
a. Member, Executive Board, International Press Institute, IPI. ( www.freemedia.at)
b. Member of the Jury, World Press Freedom Award, UNESCO. (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/freedom-of-expression/press-freedom/unesco-world-press-freedom-prize/about-world-press-freedom-prize/jury).

Very recently I have traveled Dhaka-Dubai-NYC( by Emirates) - Washington DC ( by United ) - NYC-Dubai-Dhaka ( Emirates) route ( Please see the itinerary: WWW.CHECKMYTRIP.COM/CMTSERVLET?R=YZ98PV&L=GB&N=BULBUL).

And I must say it is horrible experience.

On 29 April 2011 when I checked in Dhaka Airport, the lady sitting in the counter booked my baggage to DXB (EK 0585/29) - JFK (EK 0203/30) –IAD (UA 5698/30). When I asked her whether I need to collect my Baggage at JFK and re-booked for Dulles (IAD) to UA. She categorically suggests that IT WILL NOT NECESSARY, BAGGEGE WILL GO TO DULLES (IAD) DIRECTLY. I was convinced.
After long journey when I arrived JFK on 30th April 2011 morning, Emirates staffs on board suggests that all Baggage should collect at JFK and re book for next destination ( for me it was IAD). As my time was not too long between two flights I got a QUICK service at JFK and thanks that one ground staff of Emirates at JFK took my Baggage and assured me that she will take care of it and the Baggage will got to Dulles (IAD) with me same flight (UA 5698). I fly accordingly and found that the Baggage didn’t arrive with the same flight. I lodged a complaints, the ground staff at Dulles (IAD) note it down and gave me United Airlines Delayed Baggage Report (claim number EK 429084) but he didn’t mention the PAWOB Locator. The ground staff assured me that the baggage will come next flight and it will delivered to my hotel ( Capital Hilton, Washington D.C) by 06 at evening. I requested him to keep the promise, because at 8.30pm a business dinner was fixed. The ground staff assured me again, But finally the baggage did not came to my hotel as promised. I compel to postpone my dinner as I put all my background materials and diagrams of the equipments in the baggage. On the contrary I had to spent my full sleepless night with one dress. Finally the Baggage did not arrive at night. 18 hours passed. On 1st May, 2011 morning I called to UNITED staffs at IAD (1-800-221-6903). First they replied it is too early morning, they suggest to call me later. At around 08.00pm I called them again, they asked me about PAWOB locator number, I failed to give that because it was not given to me. The person from UNITED at IAD said it will be very tough to find the baggage without PAWOB locator. Then I begged them, finally they said they will try to send the baggage by 3pm of 1st May 2011. Then I went out and cancelled my lunch meeting. Finally when we back to my hotel confirmed that they delivered the Baggage to hotel around 9 am.


Due to this episode:

a. I had to spent a full sleepless night, without fresh dresses. It was a serious mental upset.
b. You didn’t consider the physical problems after such a long journey.
c. Following morning I had to wear the same clothes which I wear around 40 hours back when I started my journey from Dhaka.
d. I had to cancel a very important tripartite meeting with our Japanese dealer and a contractor from USA. That was a 2.5million USD business deal to purchase TV equipments from Japan. As my all background papers and design/lay out kept with baggage I could not attend the meeting. Now I have to fix the meeting in Japan and will need to invite American contractor. It was a financial loss as wel as a extreme embarrassment for my company.

Given this picture I would like to draw your kind attention to investigate the whole matter and compensate for my financial loss + mental harassment + physical torture + etc. As a frequent traveler with Emirates I want justice from you.
Please note that I kept all documents and a copy of this letter with my attorney. If I failed to get a positive response within three weeks time I’m really sorry to say that I will have no option to move in two fronts a. Media and b. legal, which I do not want to do as I consider Emirates one of my favorite airlines.
Before conclude, may I draw your kind attention to another related matter. On 9th May 2011 when we arrived gate number 207 of DUBAI airport to board EK 586 to Dhaka I experienced that all passengers que to one line, that is meant for Economy class. There were not a single person at Business Class to attend business class and First class passengers. When I asked, the lady with a robotic face answered that, we don’t have enough staff to serve business class passenger separately. Should I believe that?? May I politely ask, did the passengers fly to Bangladesh in business class pay a single penny less? I consider this is insulting and Humiliating. As a senior journalist I strongly condemn the attitude and behavior of Emirates and demand unconditional apology to us with compensation.

Please settle those issues or faces legal battle and media campaign. Your early response will appreciate.

Thanks and Regards

Sincerely yours

Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul
Editor in Chief & CEO
Boishakhi Television
32, Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Cell: +880 181 9223309
Phone: +88 02 8837081-5
Fax: +88 02 9897969
[email protected]