Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said there is no hidden agenda behind the latest agreement signed with Boeing, reiterating that Bangladesh will continue to expand Biman’s fleet based on needs as the country eyes becoming an aviation hub.
“It was done through a signing ceremony in a very open environment. As per our requirements, we are purchasing Boeing. The (existing) fleet needs to be expanded in a big way. This is nothing. There is no hidden agenda in it,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question.
The State Minister said they need to expand the fleet to become an aviation hub and Bangladesh does it on the basis of needs. Kobir laid emphasis on a mixed aircraft fleet in the interest of the country’s aviation sector.
Secretary (Intergovernmental Organizations) M. Forhadul Islam and Additional Foreign Secretary (Public Diplomacy and Other Priority Matters) AKM Shahidul Karim were also present at the media briefing.
The State Minister described the just-concluded visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the 81st session of the UNGA as “successful and meaningful,” with extensive engagements with the international community during his four-day stay in New York.
Kobir said the speech of the Prime Minister at the UNGA was highly appreciated by the international community.
“So, it was a very holistic speech that encapsulated all areas of domestic, national and international moments of interest,” said the State Minister, adding that Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has been successful.
“This visit not only provided an opportunity to present the new government’s commitments to the global community but also created a significant opening to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” he said.
Kobir said everyone expressed full support for Bangladesh’s new democratic journey. “After such a long time, a Prime Minister elected through the direct vote of the people has elevated Bangladesh’s self-confidence and stature to new heights on the global stage.”
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country’s national flag carrier, signed an agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to acquire 11 additional aircraft during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“Congratulations to Boeing and Biman on the agreement to purchase 11 more of the world’s best commercial planes. Another win-win for the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship! Will be tuning in to the signing ceremony in New York later,” said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen moments before the signing ceremony.
In April, Bangladesh signed a deal with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to buy 14 planes for its national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the two sides announced – the airline’s biggest-ever order, in a deal valued at $3.7 billion.
A journalist sought comments from the State Minister referring to remarks made by a leader from the opposition party who claimed that the Prime Minister’s speech focused solely on the party and served to glorify it, lacking any fundamental discourse on behalf of the nation.
“Honestly, I am astonished at the logic behind such remarks! Climate change was a primary focus of the Prime Minister’s speech. Is climate change an issue specific to the BNP or Jamaat? It is a matter concerning the entire nation and is a crucial issue for the world,” Kobir said, adding that he failed to understand how it could be construed as a partisan statement.
The State Minister said it is not right to make comments without understanding, reading, or listening to the facts.
He said the Prime Minister spoke about various domestic policies, international peace and stability, and the Palestine and Rohingya crises. “Are these merely party issues? He addressed the entire world. It was a comprehensive and highly significant speech that covered matters of both national and international interest. Therefore, these comments have no basis in logic.”
Responding to a question, Kobir said while other heads of government from around the world typically visit for two days, the Prime Minister stayed for four days and participated in nearly 30 meetings.
“The visit was entirely in accordance with the United Nations’ pre-scheduled programme, so the question of cutting it short does not arise. He returned home on schedule after completing his work,” he said.
Asked about the Dhaka-New York flight, the State Minister said it had been suspended primarily due to technical and safety assessment issues. “We have initiated the process for a technical and safety reassessment. Once this is completed, we hope it will be possible to resume the flights.”
