Published : 28 Sep 2026, 07:48 PM
Updated : 28 Sep 2026, 07:48 PM
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has dismissed the notion that Bangladesh is buying additional Boeing aircraft to “appease” the United States, saying the purchases are driven by the country’s own needs.
“We are buying Boeing aircraft now. Bangladesh needs to expand its fleet significantly. There is no secret agenda behind this. The question does not even arise,” he said at a press briefing at the foreign ministry on Monday.
“The agreement was reached based on necessity, and the process was transparent. We have shared the details with you. We may make further purchases if the need arises. Therefore, we will proceed according to our requirements.”
He also spoke about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly session.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed an agreement on Sept 23 to purchase 11 Boeing aircraft on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.
The national flag carrier had earlier signed an agreement in Dhaka on Apr 30 to acquire 14 more aircraft, bringing the total to 25 at a cost of more than Tk 700 billion ($5.7 billion).
The state minister said the purchases would help expand routes, improve passenger services, and establish Bangladesh as an aviation hub.
“To expand routes and establish an aviation hub in this century, a mixed fleet is essential,” Humaiun added.
He said the Boeing signing ceremony was held in an open and transparent atmosphere, with four ministers from US President Donald Trump’s administration attending.
On Aug 31, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat had said Bangladesh was purchasing 14 Boeing aircraft following a request from Trump and planned to lease additional aircraft, while also purchasing planes from Airbus.
Trump later sent a letter to Tarique thanking him for the decision to buy more Boeing aircraft and expressing hope of meeting him soon.
Asked about the resumption of Dhaka-New York flights, Humaiun said the route had been suspended mainly because of technical issues and that discussions were under way to reassess them.
He expressed optimism that the flights could resume after the review.
