The government’s aviation reforms and planned fleet expansion are playing a central role in Bangladesh’s broader strategy to manage trade imbalances with the United States and stabilise export competitiveness, said Commerce, Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the adviser said negotiations with Washington are continuing to address the impact of recently imposed US reciprocal tariffs, while parallel measures are being taken to strengthen connectivity, lower airfares and support export-led employment.
He also said that Bangladesh has already reduced a 37 per cent reciprocal tariff imposed by the US to 20 per cent through negotiations and is pursuing further relief, particularly for garments, which remain the country’s main export earner.
To mitigate commercial uncertainty and narrow a trade deficit of around USD 6 billion, the adviser said the government has proposed the purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft alongside broader import liberalisation measures. Bangladesh’s exports to the US currently stand at about USD 8 billion annually, supporting jobs for an estimated 5 to 7 lakh people, he noted.
Against this backdrop, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has approved a long-term plan to expand its fleet and route network. Sheikh Bashiruddin said the national carrier has reviewed proposals from both Boeing and Airbus, with its techno-financial committee deciding to move forward with the procurement of 14 Boeing aircraft. Negotiations are underway and, if successful, the deal could be signed before the election.
Highlighting aviation sector reforms, the adviser said the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Travel Agency Registration and Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 were promulgated on 1 January to curb ticket syndication and blocking by bringing distribution channels under licensing and accountability.
As a result, he said, airfares have declined noticeably, citing the Dhaka-Jeddah route where ticket prices that once peaked at Tk1,05,000 are now selling between Tk53,000 and Tk60,000.
He further said that Hajj airfares have dropped by Tk54,000 compared to last year, with pilgrims travelling on scheduled Saudi-bound flights instead of charter services.
Under the revised arrangement, Biman will carry regular passengers on return Hajj flights, allowing the sale of low-cost tickets, including return fares of Tk20,000, creating travel opportunities for expatriate workers ahead of Eid.
Responding to criticism, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said the ministry’s legal and policy reforms aim to ensure affordable overseas travel for ordinary citizens, especially migrant workers, though some initiatives have been misrepresented in sections of the media.
She said former Biman chairman Abdul Moeed Chowdhury stepped down due to medical treatment abroad and that Sheikh Bashiruddin was appointed chairman with approval from the Chief Adviser, following legal precedent.
Nasreen Jahan said the 1 January ordinances have already resulted in a downward trend in airfares and confirmed that around 80,000 return Hajj tickets would be sold at subsidised rates under the new system.
She added that inconsistencies in leasing policies for CAAB properties led to the formulation of comprehensive regulations under the Civil Aviation Act, introducing open tendering while retaining leasing authority with CAAB.
The secretary again 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.
She clarified that the Boeing procurement process began in 2024 and is proceeding cautiously, while also confirming that Akij Bashir Aviation Limited’s helicopter licence application remains under CAAB review and that Sheikh Bashiruddin has no management role in the company.
Addressing comments by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), she said fare-filing requirements already existed under previous rules and that CAAB would intervene only in cases of artificial price manipulation or monopolistic practices.
