Mymensingh: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced that Bangladesh is set to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft from the United States. Furthermore, the country plans to lease additional aircraft to enhance its aviation capabilities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister revealed that the decision to acquire Boeing aircraft came after a request from the U.S., and the government is proceeding accordingly. Millat made these remarks while attending a law-and-order and development coordination meeting at the Mymensingh deputy commissioner's conference room.
In addition to the Boeing purchase, Bangladesh intends to procure new aircraft from Airbus, manufactured jointly by France, Britain, and Germany, as part of its strategy to modernize and strengthen the aviation sector. This move is part of a broader effort to bolster the national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, confirmed that Bangladesh has committed billions of dollars to a new deal with Washington to acquire the Boeing aircraft. The agreement, valued at $3.7 billion, was signed in April and marks the airline's largest-ever order.
Minister Millat also addressed the ongoing challenges in Bangladesh's power and energy sectors. He described the current electricity and gas crisis as a legacy issue and assured that the government is working tirelessly to find a sustainable solution. He emphasized that resolving these issues would require time and that strict action would be taken against those attempting to create instability.
The minister responded to criticism from opposition lawmakers and representatives of Jamaat-e-Islami, who have been demanding the government's resignation over the shortages. Millat questioned whether the opposition could provide immediate solutions if they were in power, highlighting the complexity of the crisis.
He stressed the importance of patience and long-term planning, noting that infrastructure development takes time, even with advanced technologies. Millat urged law enforcement and administrative officials to maintain order and prevent any attempts at creating social unrest.
Senior officials, lawmakers, and representatives from various government departments were present at the meeting, where the minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring stability and a better future for the people of Bangladesh.