Bangladesh will purchase additional Boeing aircraft based on the needs of its aviation sector rather than pressure from the United States, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Tuesday.
Addressing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kobir rejected suggestions that Washington was pushing Dhaka to increase its aircraft purchases.
“No, not under any pressure but as per the demand of the aviation sector. We will buy additional aircraft according to our needs,” he said in response to a question about Bangladesh’s plans to purchase more Boeing planes from the United States.
Kobir said expanding the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines is necessary for the country to introduce new international routes, improve passenger services and develop Bangladesh as a major aviation gateway in Asia.
“Bangladesh, being an important aviation gateway – aviation hub – in Asia, needs to service more routes. For that, we need a bigger fleet,” he said.
According to the state minister, increasing the number of aircraft and expanding the country’s international route network would help boost aviation revenue and contribute to Bangladesh’s long-term ambition of becoming an aviation hub.
He pointed to the expansion of major international carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines as an example of how a larger fleet can facilitate the development of an extensive global network.
“We need to increase our fleet capacity. Otherwise, we cannot open up new routes,” Kobir said.
The comments came after US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Bangladesh had committed billions of dollars to purchase additional Boeing aircraft from the United States under a new deal between Dhaka and Washington.
In a post on X on Sunday night, Gor said, “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.”
Earlier in April, Bangladesh signed an deal with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft for its national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The deal, valued at $3.7 billion, represents the airline’s largest-ever aircraft order.
Gor visited Bangladesh from 30 July to 1 August, during which he held meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
Discussions focused on political and economic issues influencing Bangladesh-US relations.
Asked about a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, Kobir said Dhaka had not yet finalised a date.
“Of course, the Prime Minister will visit India, but we have not set any dates yet,” he said.
He explained that the timing would depend on the availability of both prime ministers and the overall diplomatic environment.
Kobir said Bangladesh had already conveyed its concerns regarding the sentiments that emerged in the country following the events of 5 August.
“So, timing [is important]. Of course, there will be a visit once the environment is conducive,” he said.
The state minister also underscored Dhaka’s intention to maintain balanced relations with different countries.
“As you are aware, Bangladesh seeks a good balance in its foreign relations and in its bilateral relationships with various countries,” Kobir said.
On Bangladesh-India relations, Kobir said Dhaka expects New Delhi to take a positive position by ensuring that no Bangladeshi terrorist or extremist organisation is allowed to use Indian 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.
