The government is optimistic about securing further reductions in US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports as negotiations continue ahead of a proposed bilateral trade agreement, Commerce and Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin said on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference at Secretariat, the adviser said Bangladesh had already succeeded in reducing a 37 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States to 20 percent and was pushing for additional cuts, including zero-duty access for its main export item; garments.
“A 37 percent tariff was imposed on our exports to the United States, which we managed to bring down to 20 percent through negotiations,” he said, adding that talks are ongoing to further lower the rate.
Referring to the proposed purchase of Boeing aircraft, Sheikh Bashiruddin said Bangladesh currently has export potential worth about Tk 100,000 crore to the US, a figure that could rise substantially with improved market access.
To address uncertainty caused by the US tariff measures and reduce a trade deficit of around USD 6 billion, he said the government has proposed purchasing 25 Boeing aircraft along with other import liberalisation initiatives.
He noted that exports worth USD 8 billion are linked to employment for roughly 500,000 to 700,000 people.
Highlighting regional trends, the adviser said neighbouring countries have already signed contracts for hundreds of Boeing aircraft.
In this context, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has approved a long-term plan to expand its fleet and route network.
Accordingly, Biman has received proposals from both Boeing and Airbus. After reviewing the offers, the airline’s techno-financial committee decided to move forward with the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft, with negotiations currently underway. If successful, the deal is expected to be signed before the election, he added.
On aviation reforms, Sheikh Bashiruddin said the government promulgated the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Travel Agency Registration and Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 on January 1 to curb ticket syndication and blocking, bringing ticket distribution under stricter licensing and accountability.
He said enhanced oversight has already helped reduce airfares, citing the Dhaka–Jeddah route where ticket prices that peaked at Tk 105,000 in February last year have fallen to between Tk 53,000 and Tk 60,000.
The adviser also said Hajj airfares have been reduced by Tk 54,000 compared to the previous season. This year, Biman will carry pilgrims on scheduled Saudi-bound flights instead of charter services that previously returned empty.
Under the new arrangement, he said Biman will carry regular passengers on return Hajj flights, allowing the sale of low-cost tickets, including return fares priced at Tk 20,000; providing an opportunity for expatriate workers to travel home ahead of Eid.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said the ministry had undertaken legal and policy reforms to make overseas travel more affordable for ordinary citizens, particularly migrant workers, but claimed some media reports had misrepresented the initiatives.
She said former Biman chairman Abdul Moeed Chowdhury stepped down while undergoing medical treatment in Singapore. With approval from the Chief Adviser under the Bangladesh Biman law, Sheikh Bashiruddin was appointed chairman alongside his advisory role, citing past precedents.
The secretary reiterated that the January 1 ordinances placed air ticket distribution under tighter oversight, resulting in a noticeable decline in fares. She added that around 80,000 return tickets for Hajj pilgrims will be sold at a subsidised rate of Tk 20,000 under the new scheduled-flight system.
Addressing infrastructure issues, she said inconsistencies in leasing policies for Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) properties led to the drafting of a comprehensive regulation under the Civil Aviation Act, introducing open tendering while retaining leasing authority with CAAB.
Nasreen Jahan said Biman currently operates 19 aircraft and plans to add four more by 2030, noting that fleet expansion is essential to sustain existing routes and launch new ones.
The proposed purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft, she said, is part of a long-term strategy to expand capacity and help ease trade imbalances amid US tariff uncertainty.
She added that the aircraft procurement process, which began in 2024, is ongoing and not being rushed.
Responding to questions about Akij Bashir Aviation Limited, the secretary said the company applied for a helicopter operating licence in March following CAAB procedures, clarifying that Sheikh Bashiruddin is only a shareholder and has no management role. The application remains under review.
Referring to comments by International Air Transport Association (IATA), she said the fare-filing requirement mentioned in January 1 ordinance already existed under previous rules.
CAAB, she added, is empowered to issue fare guidance only in cases of artificial price manipulation or monopolistic practices, and the ministry has already responded to IATA headquarters.
SH
