Bangladesh to buy both Boeing, Airbus for Biman fleet: Shama

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said Bangladesh will procure both Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of the BNP government's plan to develop a sustainable mixed fleet while safeguarding the country's national interests.

"Our country needs both Boeing and Airbus. We will purchase both," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to a question on whether Bangladesh's planned purchase of Boeing aircraft from the United States contradicted its interest in acquiring Airbus aircraft from France, or whether the Boeing deal was being made under external pressure, the state minister rejected such suggestions.

She said the government remains committed to strengthening the country's civil aviation sector while maintaining prudent economic management.

"The Prime Minister inherited a fragile economy from the previous government. To put the economy on a stronger footing, we need to exercise austerity while also purchasing what the country requires. We need both Boeing and Airbus. We will buy both," she said.

On investment and trade, Shama said Bangladesh does not give preferential treatment to any particular country.

"Absolutely not," she said when asked whether any country was receiving greater preference.

"The interests of Bangladesh always come first when it comes to investment," she added.

Her remarks came a day after Bangladesh formally expressed interest in acquiring Airbus aircraft to develop a sustainable mixed fleet for the national flag carrier while protecting the country's strategic interests.

The issue featured prominently during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and ambassadors and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga, German Chargé d'Affaires Anja Tersten and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Baiba Zerin.

During the meeting, the minister and state minister conveyed the government's intention to include Airbus aircraft in Biman Bangladesh Airlines' long-term fleet expansion programme, saying Bangladesh aims to build a sustainable mixed fleet while fully safeguarding its national interests.

The European diplomats welcomed Bangladesh's interest and reaffirmed their readiness to provide all necessary cooperation on the proposed Airbus acquisition as well as broader collaboration in the aviation sector.

Both sides also reiterated their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh, the European Union and its member states.

They further discussed ways to deepen cooperation in Bangladesh's civil aviation sector, with particular emphasis on expanding and modernising Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet.