Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said that Bangladesh and the United States will work together on the basis of partnership to develop the country's tourism and aviation industry.
The minister made the remarks after a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas at his secretariat office on Tuesday.
“We have worked together in the past to advance tourism and aviation in Bangladesh, and we have agreed to work together in the future. We asked them how the US could do more to help us in these two areas,” said the minister.
“In some cases, even if there is a difference of opinion, we (Bangladesh and US) have resolved it by discussing it for the sake of friendship. We have discussed this with the ambassador so that we can further strengthen our partnership in the tourism and aviation industry, especially in New York, so that we can get back our air slots as soon as possible,” he added.
Asked about the matter, Faruk Khan said “The US wants to add more Boeing aircraft to Bangladesh Biman. But we would make the best decision considering everything, including financial and technical aspects. We will buy Boeing or Airbus from any company which will be beneficial for Bangladesh.
US Ambassador Haas told reporters that the partnership between Bangladesh and the United States for the development of Bangladesh's tourism and aviation industries will continue to move forward.
He added that US airplane manufacturer Boeing has submitted its proposal for the purchase of new aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “We want Boeing to be able to participate in the purchasing process, and this process should be done through fair competition.”
“The issue of launching direct flights between Bangladesh and the United States was discussed. There is still some process left in this regard; we will help the Civil Aviation Authority and Bangladesh Biman to complete it quickly,” said the ambassador.
Asked when the FAA audit on the launch of direct flights to New York could be completed, Faruk Khan said, “An audit team of ICAO is currently working at the Civil Aviation Authority. After they leave, we will invite the FAA for an audit at a convenient time. But that will be this year.”
Later, Australia's High Commissioner to Dhaka Nardia Simpson met with Faruk Khan. At that time, the Australian high commissioner expressed interest in establishing direct air communication between Bangladesh and Australia, mentioning that 80,000 Bangladeshi expatriates are currently living in Australia.
About the matter, Faruk Khan said that current relations between Bangladesh and Australia are very good. We have the opportunity to work together in various areas to develop the tourism and aviation industries.
He also said that Australian investors can invest in various sectors of tourism in our country. In that case, we will provide all kinds of support to them. The issue of direct air communication between Bangladesh and Australia will also be considered.
