Bangladesh will finalise its decision on purchasing new aircraft within the next two months, according to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan.
The evaluation process involves proposals from US-based Boeing and European aerospace giant Airbus.
"The issue of purchasing the aircraft will not be finalized until the evaluation committee submits its report," Khan stated.
The minister made these remarks while addressing journalists on Sunday following a meeting with the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, at the Secretariat.
When questioned about a timeline for the decision, Khan noted, "We have to finance it from this year's budget, and I think the process will be completed within the next one to two months."
Regarding the number of aircraft, he mentioned, "Our plan is to buy about ten aircraft. The final number depends on the evaluation committee's report based on the economic proposals we have received. But of course, it could be like two to four."
US Ambassador Haas expressed concerns over the evaluation process, particularly regarding Boeing's proposal. "US Ambassador Haas discussed Boeing's proposal with us. We informed him that our evaluation committee is still working on it. Once it's over, we will consider buying from the company recommended by the evaluation committee," Khan said.
Addressing earlier complaints from the US ambassador about the evaluation delay, the minister clarified, "He told me this even today. I said that when any news is published in the media, it should be seen as news. The Bangladesh government is still evaluating it, and that's the final news. I'm sure it won't be finalized until the evaluation committee reports."
Rumors have circulated suggesting that Bangladesh's relations with the USA may deteriorate if Boeing is not selected.
Responding to these concerns, Khan stated, "Why would relations between the two countries deteriorate over business and trade? I don't see any reason for this from our side, nor from America's side."
"Of course, American companies want to sell their products in this competitive business world, just as companies from other countries do. We received a good proposal from Airbus, and Boeing has likewise given us a decent proposition. Biman has formed an evaluation committee in this regard, which will be good for Bangladesh. We will consider that," he added.
