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European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has urged Bangladesh to seriously consider purchasing aircraft from European manufacturer Airbus alongside Boeing, calling for a “level playing field” in the government’s procurement decisions.
“We believe Airbus has an incredibly competitive offer. It should be taken very seriously, and we look forward to seeing the discussions between Airbus and Biman conclude very quickly,” Miller said.
He made the remarks on Sunday while briefing reporters after a meeting between the EU ambassador and representatives of all 27 EU member states with the Ministry of Commerce.
Miller said the EU wanted a level playing field in all areas, particularly in government procurement.
“If you make a government procurement decision, it should be made on the basis of commercial merit, and our companies should be able to compete as best they can with companies from any country,” he said.
Bangladesh’s national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, signed an agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing on April 30 to purchase 14 aircraft.
The aircraft are expected to cost $3.7 billion, equivalent to around Tk 45,408 crore at an exchange rate of Tk 122.73 per dollar. Boeing is scheduled to deliver the aircraft in phases between 2031 and 2035.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Sergio Gor recently highlighted Bangladesh’s Boeing purchase in a post on X, saying another “extraordinary deal” had been reached between President Trump and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
According to Gor, Bangladesh had committed to spending billions of dollars on Boeing aircraft, far exceeding its initial order.
Trump later sent a letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanking him for agreeing to purchase Boeing aircraft.
