Kamrul Hasan : Dhaka: State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ms. Afroza Khanam Rita, MP, has said that new aircraft are being added to the fleet as part of efforts to transform Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a modern, world-class carrier.

She made the remarks to journalists after speaking at the signing ceremony of an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 14 aircraft, held on Thursday (April 30) night at the Ruposhi Bangla Ballroom of Hotel InterContinental in the capital.

The minister said, “The government, committed to the people, is determined to implement its election manifesto as quickly as possible. Our goal is to develop Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a state-of-the-art and passenger-friendly airline.”

She further added, “To achieve this goal, it was essential to incorporate technologically advanced aircraft into the fleet. Through today’s agreement, a total of 14 modern aircraft—including 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 4 Boeing 737s—are being added, which will take the country’s aviation sector to new heights.”

Highlighting the significance of the deal with the United States, the minister said, “This is not merely a commercial decision; rather, it will take Bangladesh–US relations to a new dimension. This initiative will be considered a significant milestone in the development of the country’s aviation sector.”

She also recalled with respect the historic bilateral meeting between martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former US President Jimmy Carter.
Special guests at the event included Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, and Adviser to the ministry Humayun Kabir.

Also present were US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, Chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Board of Directors Rumi A. Hossain, Secretary of the ministry Fahmida Akhtar, NDC, Managing Director of Biman Kaiser Sohail Ahmed, along with senior officials from Boeing and the government.

Officials believe that this agreement will not only modernize Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet but also enhance its competitiveness on international routes.