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Biman to repay aircraft purchase costs from own revenue: Minister
Published : Sunday, 1 November, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Observer Online Report
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will repay the cost of purchasing new aircraft from its own revenue, while the government will act only as a guarantor, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said.
He made the remarks at the second meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday afternoon.
The meeting was chaired by committee chairman Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui.
The minister said the government would not directly spend money on purchasing aircraft for the state-owned airline. Instead, Biman would repay the costs in instalments from its earnings, with the government providing financial guarantees.
He said a lack of accountability over the past 20 years had led to the adoption of several unplanned projects. The current government, however, is committed to ensuring full transparency in all procurement processes.
Millat also highlighted the importance of the parliamentary standing committee in ensuring transparency and accountability in the ministry's activities.
Regarding Biman's modernisation and fleet expansion, he said the government had taken effective steps to make the national flag carrier modern and competitive.
Describing the decision to purchase 35 new aircraft as timely, he warned that delaying the procurement agreement could leave Biman facing a severe shortage of aircraft in the coming years.
He explained that it could take around 10 years for newly purchased aircraft to join the fleet. By then, existing aircraft would gradually become grounded.
On alleged irregularities during the previous government's tenure, the minister said unnecessary purchases made in the past would be properly investigated. He reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
Regarding the proposed international airport in Bogura, Millat said around 2,000 acres of land would be required for the project. Plans are being made to develop a runway suitable for wide-body aircraft operations.
The minister also urged standing committee members to play an effective role in ensuring transparency in the ministry's activities.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
