The ongoing situation in Afghanistan is nothing if not alarming -- the Taliban coming to power in Kabul has led to many Afghans desperately trying to flee the country, fearing for their lives.
It is hardly a surprise that the US has proposed that Biman Bangladesh Airlines operate evacuation flights from Afghanistan, assisting to fly out several thousand people, including Afghan citizens who had worked for the US Army from Afghanistan through third-party channels.
Bangladesh is proud to step up to humanitarian missions whenever possible -- whether it is taking in Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in the hundreds of thousands after their own army threatened to wipe their existence, or in the service of the brave Bangladeshis at UN peacekeeping missions who continue to do their duty to bring about justice in the most dangerous parts of the globe.
Thus, as per Biman officials, while we are yet to receive any official confirmation or any official request from the US government, and while any decision in this regard will be taken after discussions with government high-ups following an official proposal, it is likely that Bangladesh should be happy to assist in the evacuation efforts.
But any and all relevant stakeholders and authorities concerned must negotiate accordingly, so that Bangladesh receives the rightful compensation for this favour. This will not be an easy undertaking. As the US is asking to use our resources and personnel to assist them in their own operation, it is only right that Bangladesh receives not merely a token of appreciation, but rightful financial compensation for a mission where a tremendous amount could possibly go wrong.
We hope our leaders, should the formal request from the US come, remember this when making their decision. It is always good to offer assistance, but it is also important to know our worth as well.
