Boeing Aircraft Purchase Based on Bilateral Interests, Not External Pressure: PM’s Spokesperson

Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, has said that Bangladesh’s decision to purchase aircraft from Boeing was not made under pressure from any party but was based on mutual interests between the two countries.

Speaking at a press briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday after returning from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly alongside Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, Mahdi Amin said the decision had already been taken on the basis of bilateral interests. Although the Prime Minister was not present during the signing of the agreement, the deal was concluded by representatives of both countries with Bangladesh’s national interests given the highest priority. The remarks were also shared in a Facebook post by the BNP Media Cell.

Mahdi Amin also announced that Bangladesh and the United States signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation during the visit. He said the agreement was signed at a separate sidelines meeting without the Prime Minister’s direct participation.

Highlighting the broader outcomes of the four-day UN visit, the spokesperson said the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings and discussions with the leaders of 11 countries. He noted that Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interests, and the welfare of its people remained the central focus of every discussion.

According to Mahdi Amin, the Prime Minister strongly projected Bangladesh’s interests, sovereignty, independence, and development potential on the global stage throughout the UN General Assembly, demonstrating the country’s growing confidence and international standing.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s address at the UN, he said the speech outlined specific policy initiatives and development plans covering education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, technology, artificial intelligence, youth, women, and other key sectors. He added that these initiatives would be implemented gradually and emphasized that the Prime Minister also made a strong appeal for global peace.

On the Palestine issue, Mahdi Amin reiterated Bangladesh’s firm position, stating that the Bangladeshi delegation staged a walkout when the Israeli Prime Minister began addressing the General Assembly following the Prime Minister’s speech. He described the move as a clear demonstration of Bangladesh’s commitment to peace.

Calling the UN visit highly successful and productive, Mahdi Amin said it marked the first time in many years that a democratically elected Bangladeshi head of government had represented the country on the world stage. He added that the Prime Minister was warmly received by world leaders and governments throughout the visit.

The spokesperson noted that despite the short duration of the four-day visit and a small delegation, the Prime Minister attended a total of 30 official engagements. These included several high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings, participation in eight major UN events, and the delivery of keynote speeches at seven of them.

He further said the Prime Minister attended several high-profile international events, including two special programmes hosted by the Government of Bangladesh on Universal Health Coverage and the Rohingya crisis, in addition to participating in two other global high-level events focused on climate and healthcare.

Concluding the briefing, Mahdi Amin said the successful visit had inspired renewed commitment to building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh. He reaffirmed the government's pledge to continue promoting domestic and international peace, protecting human rights, ensuring inclusive development, strengthening the rule of law, and improving the lives of the people—efforts he said have received widespread recognition both at home and abroad.

Also present at the briefing were Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, and Assistant Press Secretary K.M. Nazmul Haque.