Published : 22 Sep 2026, 05:23 PM
Updated : 22 Sep 2026, 05:23 PM
France is watching Bangladesh’s Airbus negotiations closely, with Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet describing the talks as a test of Dhaka’s appetite for a long-term partnership with Europe.
He made the remarks in response to a question during a discussion organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Saying he was not yet “concerned” about the Airbus sale as discussions and negotiations with the government are still ongoing, the ambassador said: “I am insisting on a level playing field, and this is a message that we are also giving to the current government. Because we believe this is essential.”
“I think this is a good test for the current government, and we have confidence in this government and in Biman.”
Describing the Airbus sale as important for Europe, he said: “It is very important. Why is it important for Europe? Of course, 10 aircraft is not a major deal, but for us it is more than that. It is about Bangladesh being willing to engage in discussions to enter into a long-term partnership with Europeans in the field of civil aviation. This is very important.
“We believe in partnership. We do not believe in making an agreement and then walking away; that is not how we work. We want to build a genuine long-term partnership, like the partnerships Bangladesh has with many French companies.”
Emphasising their interest in advancing such a long-term partnership in the future, he said: “It is not simply about selling Airbus aircraft and then it is over; it is actually about entering into a long-term partnership.”
Describing Europe as Bangladesh’s main partner, the ambassador said 48 percent of Bangladesh’s garment exports go to Europe, compared with 17 percent to the United States.
“That is a three-to-one ratio.” Including the United Kingdom, the figure is even higher.
“So Europe is the main partner. When we speak with our Bangladeshi friends, we simply remind them of one thing: our common interest is to build a partnership. Because you have a reliable, relevant and interested partner that wants to cooperate with you.”
Discussions over purchasing aircraft for Biman began during the previous Awami League government. There had been a tug-of-war over whether the billion-dollar business would go to US giant Boeing or European manufacturer Airbus.
Toward the end of its tenure, the Awami League government had leaned toward Airbus, and then Civil Aviation and Tourism minister Mahbub Ali had said that a decision to purchase 10 aircraft from Airbus would be finalised.
However, after the fall of the government on Aug 5, the situation changed. The interim government decided to purchase aircraft from Boeing.
The BNP government, which came to power in February, has also leaned towards the Seattle-based company. Within two months of taking office, the government signed an agreement to purchase 14 aircraft from Boeing.
Even after that agreement, however, Airbus officials have apparently not given up. Airbus representatives have continued lobbying at high levels of the government.
Ambassadors of the countries concerned have also continued their contacts. It was learned in June that the government was “positive” about purchasing Airbus aircraft.
While discussions with Airbus continue, the BNP government has also moved forward with a process to purchase another 11 aircraft from Boeing. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is expected to sign an agreement with Boeing on the matter in New York on Wednesday.
Explaining how discussions with Airbus began during the Awami League government, the French ambassador said Biman Bangladesh had chosen Airbus for good “technical reasons”, considering the advantages of operating a mixed fleet, “not for political reasons.”
“Many airlines around the world have adopted Airbus, and Biman is no exception.”
Referring to Biman’s plans to purchase aircraft from American company Boeing while discussions with Airbus are ongoing, the ambassador said Biman has maintained its interest in Airbus and that discussions and negotiations are still under way.
“So it may take time, but I can assure you that the negotiations are going well and good results are also coming.”
In response to another question, the ambassador linked the Airbus purchase with negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Europe, which are expected to begin next year.
Pointing out that only seven of the 27 EU countries have embassies in Dhaka, he said the European Union has FTAs with India, Vietnam, Australia and Canada, but Bangladesh is not, or is not sufficiently, represented on that map.
“So if you want to be more significantly present on that map, you have to engage in discussions with an interest in a long-term partnership. In that context, Airbus carries importance. Because it is not simply a willingness to choose Europe as an alternative, but to choose it as a partner—to say, ‘We are going to Europe, we know that you will respect us, and we have interests with you.’”
The ambassador said, “France and Europe never say, ‘Choose one between us and them,’ whoever ‘them’ may be. As I said at the beginning, we believe in partnership. Partnership does not mean exclusion; it means inclusion.”
“If you do not want it, if you think moving forward with an FTA is not a good thing, that is your decision. Perhaps the European countries may also decide that they do not want an FTA; that is their decision. So what message Dhaka is sending to Europe matters.”
The ambassador said an FTA would create opportunities to expand Bangladesh’s scope for trade across the European Union’s 27 countries.
