State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said Bangladesh signs agreements only when they serve the interests of its people, stressing that the government's decision to purchase aircraft is driven by national needs.

"We do not sign on any dotted line on any deal that does not suit the interest of the people of Bangladesh," he said at a ceremony marking Biman Bangladesh Airlines' agreement with Airbus to acquire 10 aircraft on Wednesday evening.

Kobir said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, signed the agreement because it meets Bangladesh's aviation needs, rather than to please ambassadors or friendly countries.

"This government has signed this deal because it meets our aviation needs. Bangladesh does not do deals to please. It does it because it needs it," he said.

The state minister said a sound business case based on the country's needs would guide cooperation with Airbus or any other partner across different sectors of the economy.

"What we need is a business case," he said, adding that the government is ready to sign agreements once they are found legally sound.

The purchase agreement covers four Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft for long-haul international operations and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft for regional services.

According to the preliminary roadmap of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the aircraft are expected to start joining Biman's fleet around 2031.

The acquisition forms part of the national flag carrier's fleet modernisation and long-term growth strategy. The fuel-efficient aircraft are expected to expand its capacity, strengthen its route network and improve passenger services.

Congratulating Biman, Airbus and the European Union on the outcome of their discussions, Kobir said the investment would strengthen Bangladesh's international connectivity.

"When our national flag carrier invests in the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft available today, it strengthens connectivity and its standing in the world," he said.

He said the agreement also reflected Bangladesh's strong friendships with European partners, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union.

These partners have stood by Bangladesh throughout its development journey, he said.

"Bangladesh does business on its needs and its interests," Kobir said, expressing confidence that commercial cooperation with Europe would grow further.

"I believe the goodwill between the people of Bangladesh and the European Union will strengthen our partnership further, and I can assure you there is more business to follow," he said.

Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director Jargen Westermeier and Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Kobir witnessed the signing at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden here on Wednesday evening.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr Rudiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marc SŠre-Charlet and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga were also present.
Source: BSS