Not to please its friends, Bangladesh makes deals based on country's needs, interests: Humaiun Kobir

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir yesterday (7 October) said Bangladesh does not sign any agreement to please its friends, but makes deals based on the country's needs and interests.

"We do not sign on any dotted line on any deal that does not suit the interest of the people of Bangladesh," he said while addressing a programme celebrating a milestone in Bangladesh-European Union relations and the conclusion of discussions on the procurement of Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Biman, Bangladesh's national flag carrier, signed a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire 10 aircraft.

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

It marks a significant milestone in Biman's fleet modernisation and long-term growth strategy.

According to the preliminary roadmap of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the next-generation aircraft are expected to join Biman's fleet from around 2033.

The new aircraft will enhance Biman's long-haul and regional transport capacity through next-generation fuel-efficient technology.

They will also play an important role in strengthening the airline's route network, improving passenger service standards and enabling Biman to compete more effectively in regional and global aviation markets.

Kobir said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, did not sign the Airbus deal to make ambassadors or friends happy, but because it meets Bangladesh's aviation needs.

"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 whenever there is a sound business case based on Bangladesh's needs, the government will not hesitate to do business with Airbus or any other partner in any sphere 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 ceremony was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines was represented by Rumee A Hossain, Chairman, Biman Board of Directors, and Kaizer Sohail Ahmed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Airbus was represented by Jürgen Westermeier, President, South Asia.

Also present were Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar.

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr Rudiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sère-Charlet and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga were also present.

The state minister congratulated Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the European Union and Airbus on reaching the milestone through positive discussions.

"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.

The agreement, Kobir said, also reflected the strength of Bangladesh's friendships across Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as with the European Union.

Referring to Bangladesh's relations with its European partners, he said these friends had stood by Bangladesh throughout its development journey.

The state minister also sought to clarify that Bangladesh's engagement with different countries is guided by its own national interests.

"Bangladesh does business on its needs and its interests," he said.

Kobir expressed confidence that there will be more business between Bangladesh and the European Union in the future.

"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.