Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday clarified that US Special Envoy Sergio Gor’s comments about Bangladesh’s plans to purchase more Boeing aircraft are likely connected to an earlier agreement. She addressed the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the recent statements.
According to United News of Bangladesh, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, recently claimed that Bangladesh committed billions of dollars to acquire additional Boeing aircraft from the United States. This statement was made on X, referencing a new deal between Dhaka and Washington. Gor’s remarks came after a meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, suggesting an expansion of a previous agreement with Boeing.
In April, Bangladesh entered into a significant deal with Boeing to purchase 14 planes for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, marking the airline’s largest order to date, valued at $3.7 billion. Gor’s visit to Bangladesh from July 30 to August 1 included discussions with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman about Bangladesh-US relations.
In another development, State Minister Shama announced that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is set to enhance its cooperation with Bangladesh to fortify parliamentary democracy. After a meeting with IPU Secretary General Anda Filip, she confirmed that the IPU would support the development of Bangladesh’s parliament as it transitions with a youthful and newly structured assembly.
The IPU delegation is currently assessing Bangladesh’s political climate and has engaged with various lawmakers, including those from opposition parties and female parliamentarians. The delegation is particularly interested in the functioning of Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy post-transition.
Minister Shama highlighted the positive reception of Bangladesh’s new parliament, which includes many young and first-time members. Discussions with the IPU Secretary General also covered strategies to improve the skills and institutional capacity of Bangladeshi lawmakers, as well as their global engagement.
Bangladesh aims to increase its participation in the IPU’s capacity-building initiatives, including those in Geneva. Other topics discussed included democracy, human rights, peace, stability, Sustainable Development Goals, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and climate resilience.
The IPU is planning a conference in Tanzania next month, with Bangladesh’s Speaker and parliament members expected to attend. IPU Secretary General Filip, who arrived in Dhaka on Sunday, is scheduled to depart Bangladesh on September 2.