No hidden agenda behind Boeing deal: State Minister Kobir

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today (28 September) said there is no hidden agenda behind the latest agreement with Boeing, reiterating that Bangladesh will continue to expand Biman's fleet based on needs as the country eyes becoming an aviation hub.

"We need to expand the fleet to become an aviation hub. There is nothing....there is no hidden agenda. Bangladesh does it on the basis of needs. We need to expand our fleet," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question.

Kobir laid emphasis on a mixed fleet in the interest of the country's aviation sector.

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.

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 US-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.