The Bangladesh government has expressed keen interest in working with world-renowned aviation group Lufthansa to establish Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities as part of its drive to transform the country into a regional aviation hub.
The intent was conveyed by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat during a meeting in his office room on Tuesday with a Lufthansa delegation led by the German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Rüdiger Lotz.
During the bilateral meeting, discussions focused on air service operations between the two nations, the development of state carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and various issues of mutual interest.
Highlighting the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany, Millat said that vast opportunities exist to expand bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector.
Describing Lufthansa as a globally renowned aviation organisation, he outlined investment opportunities for the company in setting up MRO facilities to propel the growth of Bangladesh’s aviation hub. He added that Lufthansa could also collaborate with Biman Bangladesh Airlines to train and build skilled human resources locally.
Turning to air cargo security, the minister pointed out that the European Union’s High-Risk Cargo & Mail (HRCM) status on incoming cargo from Bangladesh has remained in place since 2017. He informed the delegation that upon assuming office, the present government addressed all relevant observations.
As a result of these interventions, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport achieved a rating of over 90 per cent in a recently concluded security audit. In light of this achievement, Millat sought Germany’s cooperation in securing the withdrawal of the HRCM status.
Regarding fleet modernization, the minister disclosed that the government is working to sign an agreement for the purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft to boost Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Stressing the necessity of bringing forward the delivery timeframe, he emphasised the importance of Airbus deliveries commencing prior to 2030.
Both sides expressed a shared commitment to further deepening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Germany, enhancing air connectivity, and expanding mutual cooperation in the tourism sector.
