Bangladesh

Govt Explains Decision to Buy 14 Boeing Aircraft Amid Debate

08 September 2026 20:09 PM

NEWS DESK

The government has defended its decision to purchase 14 aircraft from US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing amid ongoing debate and criticism over the deal.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman explained the rationale behind the purchase while responding to a question at the government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday at the Secretariat, where officials discussed progress on various government activities.

On August 31, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat had said Bangladesh was purchasing 14 Boeing aircraft following a request from US President Donald Trump. He also said the country planned to lease additional aircraft and would purchase aircraft from French manufacturer Airbus as well.

Asked whether purchasing such a large number of Boeing aircraft could put pressure on the country’s economy, Adviser Zahed said the government had inherited a very poor economic situation.

“It is not wrong to say that the government has inherited a very bad economy,” he said.

However, he explained that payments for the Boeing aircraft would be made in phases over an extended period and that it would also take a considerable amount of time for the aircraft to be delivered.

“There is no immediate impact from purchasing the Boeing aircraft,” Zahed said.

He said the government would not have to make a large payment immediately or within a very short period.

“If anyone thinks that we have to pay a huge amount of money immediately or within a very short time, that is simply not the case,” he said.

According to the adviser, a state must continue to meet its essential needs even when it faces economic difficulties.

“A state will operate according to its needs. Even during a crisis, a state has to meet some of its necessary requirements,” he said, adding that the new Boeing order would have “no immediate effect” on the economy.

Meanwhile, Zahed Ur Rahman alleged that the Awami League had “revealed its character” through the attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhon.

He said the government had begun the necessary legal process in connection with the incident.

“The government has started the process of taking whatever legal action is required in that country,” he said.

He added that the incident could not be ignored under any circumstances.

“This incident cannot be allowed to go unanswered,” Zahed said.

Boeing