Bangladesh has decided to purchase both Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of fleet expansion with mixed aircraft, keeping national interests protected.

“We have to take country's civil aviation sector to new heights. We have to purchase whatever we need. We need Boeing, we need Airbus (aircraft), too. We will purchase both,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

She said the government is committed to strengthening the country’s civil aviation sector while pursuing prudent economic management.

“The Prime Minister inherited a fragile economy from the previous governments. To put the economy on a stronger footing, we need to exercise austerity on the one hand, while also purchasing what the country requires. We need both Boeing and Airbus. We will buy both,” the state minister said.

She said Bangladesh does not give preferential treatment to any particular country. “Absolutely not,” she said when asked whether any country was receiving greater preference.

“The interests of Bangladesh are always given top priority when it comes to investment,” Shama Obaed added.

Bangladesh has reportedly expressed its interest in procuring Airbus aircraft to develop a sustainable mixed fleet for the national flag carrier while protecting the country’s strategic interests.

The issue was also discussed between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and ambassadors and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga, German Chargé d’Affaires Anja Tersten and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Baiba Zerin.

The French ambassador has recently underlined the importance of ensuring a fair and level playing field to encourage greater engagement by European companies in Bangladesh's aviation sector.

He emphasised the commitment of European aerospace leader Airbus to supporting the growth of Bangladesh's aviation industry.

The issues were discussed when he met Chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Rumee A Hossain last week to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the civil aviation sector.