Boeing purchase driven by aviation sector needs: Humaiun

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Tuesday that Bangladesh’s purchase of Boeing aircraft from the United States is based on the needs of the aviation sector and not under any external pressure.

“We want to develop Bangladesh into an aviation hub in Asia. We will have to purchase aircraft in the long term to increase revenue and passenger numbers as an aviation hub. Therefore, this is not being done under any pressure; rather, it is based on the needs of our aviation sector,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said Bangladesh needed to operate services on more routes to become a key regional gateway, requiring a larger aircraft fleet. Citing Ethiopian Airlines, which has expanded to more than 150 aircraft, he said Bangladesh would need 70 to 80 aircraft, or more, over the next 10 to 15 years.

“From that perspective, our current requirement may not appear to be very large, but we will need to purchase either Boeing or Airbus aircraft. Based on our needs, we have made a policy decision to purchase Boeing aircraft,” Humaiun said.

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Asked whether Bangladesh currently has the financial capacity for the purchase, he said acquisitions would continue based on need and purchasing capacity, adding that the country must meet aviation sector demand and develop into a hub for routes connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Delhi seminar denial a ‘positive step’ 

Humaiun described India’s decision to deny permission for a Delhi seminar involving leaders of the banned Awami League as a “positive step” for bilateral relations.

He said no date had been fixed for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India, though it would take place at an appropriate time, based on “mutual respect and national interests” and both leaders’ schedules. 

He said the absence of a fixed date did not mean discussions had stalled, noting talks had resumed after being affected by the events of 5 August. 

He added that Dhaka would not shelter any terrorist fleeing India, and expressed hope Bangladeshi fugitives would not be sheltered in India.

Govt mourns Nepal flood deaths, offers assistance

Humaiun signed a condolence book at the Nepal Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday over deaths from flash floods and landslides in northern Nepal on 26 August, which killed hundreds, including tourists. 

He wrote that Bangladesh extended heartfelt condolences and stood in solidarity with Nepal, and said Dhaka was ready to provide any assistance needed.