Ruling out any pressure from the US side over the purchase of additional Boeing aircraft, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Tuesday said the approach is demand-driven and that Bangladesh needs to expand its aircraft fleet to open new routes, improve passenger services and strengthen its position as an aviation gateway in Asia.
"No, not under any pressure but as per the demand of the aviation sector. We will buy additional aircraft according to our needs," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a journalist drew his attention to the purchase of additional Boeing aircraft from the United States.
US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has recently said Bangladesh has committed billions of dollars to buy additional Boeing aircraft from the United States under a new deal between Dhaka and Washington.
"Just this week, President Trump and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Tarique Rahman) made another incredible deal, with Bangladesh committing to spend billions of dollars to buy more Boeing aircraft, significantly increasing their initial order," Gor said in a post on X on Sunday night.
“Bangladesh, being an important aviation gateway - aviation hub - in Asia, needs to service more routes. For that, we need a bigger fleet,” State Minister Kobir said.
He said expanding the fleet and widening the country's route network would be important for increasing revenue and developing Bangladesh into an aviation hub in the long term.
He cited the growth of major airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, as an example of how fleet expansion can support the development of an international aviation network.
“We need to increase our fleet capacity. Otherwise, we cannot open up new routes,” he said.
In April, Bangladesh signed a deal with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to buy 14 planes for its national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the two sides announced - the airline’s biggest-ever order, in a deal valued at $3.7 billion.
Gor visited Bangladesh from July 30-August 1 and met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and discussed the political and economic dynamics shaping Bangladesh-US relations.
On a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, Kobir said no date has yet been fixed.
“Of course, the prime minister will visit India, but we have not set any dates yet,” he said, adding that the timing would depend on a conducive environment and the availability of the Prime Ministers of both countries.
Kobir said Bangladesh has clearly raised its concerns over the sentiments generated in the country following the events of August 5.
“So, timing [is important]. Of course, there will be a visit once the environment is conducive,” he said.
Kobir also stressed the importance of maintaining balanced foreign relations.
“As you are aware, Bangladesh seeks a good balance in its foreign relations and in its bilateral relationships with various countries,” Kobir said.
Responding to a question, State Minister Kobir said Bangladesh hopes India will show a positive approach by not allowing any Bangladeshi terrorist or extremist group to use its territory or sovereign space.
“I don't think we expect any Bangladeshi terrorists to get space in India, or anywhere within the sovereign space of India,” he said, referring to Bangladesh-India relations.
