State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir today said Bangladesh's decision to purchase Boeing aircraft is driven by the country's growing aviation requirements, dismissing suggestions that Dhaka is making the procurement under external pressure.

"No, it is not because of any pressure. It is being done in accordance with the needs of our aviation sector," he told journalists at the Foreign Ministry.

Kobir made the remarks when asked about US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs and Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's recent statement that Bangladesh would spend billions of dollars to purchase more Boeing aircraft.

The state minister said Bangladesh needs to substantially expand its aircraft fleet if it wants to open new routes, increase passenger traffic and revenue, and emerge as a regional aviation hub.

"We want to develop Bangladesh into an aviation hub in Asia. To become an important gateway in this region, we need to serve many more routes. For that, we need a larger aircraft fleet," he said.

Referring to the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, Kobir said the African carrier now operates more than 150 aircraft, while Bangladesh could require 70 to 80 aircraft or even more over the next 10 to 15 years.

He said Bangladesh would need aircraft from manufacturers such as Boeing or Airbus to meet its long-term requirements.

"Based on our requirements, we have taken an in-principle decision to purchase Boeing aircraft," he said.

Kobir said the country currently lacks sufficient fleet capacity to achieve its aviation ambitions.

"We have to increase our fleet capacity. Otherwise, we will not be able to open new routes, and we will lose business," he said.

The state minister said aircraft procurement would be undertaken in line with the country's requirements and financial capacity.

"We have to meet the needs of our aviation sector, ensure passenger services and develop Bangladesh into an aviation hub serving routes to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and beyond," he said.

Kobir also said Bangladesh maintains strong relations with both Washington and Beijing as part of its balanced foreign policy, while the United States remains one of the country's major development partners.

Dhaka, he said, wants to further expand trade and investment relations with Washington.

The latest discussion over aircraft procurement surfaced after Gor said in a social media post that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had struck "another incredible deal" under which Bangladesh would spend "Billions of Dollars" on more Boeing aircraft and significantly increase its initial order.

Gor, however, did not disclose the number or models of additional aircraft or details of any fresh purchase agreement.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam earlier today said Gor's remarks might have referred to Bangladesh's previously concluded Boeing deal.

The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry has subsequently maintained that no separate Boeing aircraft deal has been signed apart from the 14-aircraft agreement.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed an agreement with Boeing on April 30 to acquire 14 aircraft - eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners and four 737-8 MAX aircraft - in the national flag carrier's largest-ever aircraft order.

The acquisition is aimed at modernising Biman's fleet, expanding its long-haul capacity and strengthening regional operations as Bangladesh seeks to expand its international aviation footprint.