Bangladesh Insists Aircraft Purchase Decision Won’t Affect EU Ties
Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain has dismissed concerns raised by the German ambassador that choosing Boeing over Airbus could affect Bangladesh’s relations with the European Union and discussions related to GSP. He emphasized that any aircraft purchase decision will not impact Bangladesh’s overall relationship with Europe.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, 26 November, in response to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The advisor stated, “I do not believe any commercial deal will affect our overall relations. Ambassadors naturally promote matters related to their country’s commercial interests. However, Bangladesh will make procurement decisions based on expert assessments and national needs.”
He further noted that it is natural for any ambassador to advocate for their country’s products as part of their duty, and that they have fulfilled this responsibility. Bangladesh will not make decisions based on external pressure or comments.
According to Hossain, the key factor is the recommendations of Bangladeshi experts, considering national requirements and fleet size. The country will not decide based on external opinions.
Earlier in the day, during an event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club called “DCAB Talk,” German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz stated that Bangladesh moving away from an Airbus purchase commitment could impact the country’s trade relations with Europe.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of trade forecasts in commercial transactions, noting that Europe closely monitors Bangladesh’s major procurement decisions. He affirmed that Germany considers Bangladesh an important economic partner and hopes the long-standing, mutually respectful relationship will continue.
Regarding whether the decision not to purchase Airbus aircraft could affect bilateral economic relations, the ambassador said Germany remains one of Bangladesh’s most significant business partners, emphasizing reliability in trade relations.
He added that commercial preferences often influence broader decisions and acknowledged Airbus produces excellent aircraft, though he was not representing the aviation industry in this context. While GSP discussions could be affected, and aircraft purchase decisions inevitably have some impact, it is not certain and largely depends on the overall bilateral climate.
Bangladesh is fully independent in its procurement decisions. While business choices naturally influence diplomatic perceptions, Bangladesh retains full autonomy, and both countries will maintain close business ties in their mutual interest.
The world’s two largest aircraft manufacturers, the U.S.-based Boeing and Europe’s Airbus, are competing to supply aircraft to Bangladesh’s national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The country’s Techno-Financial Committee is currently reviewing two proposals: ten Airbus A350 wide-body and four A320neo narrow-body aircraft versus ten Boeing 787 Dreamliner and four 737 MAX aircraft.
