Bangladesh Clarifies Boeing Deal After US Envoy's Comments

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has clarified that US Special Envoy Sergio Gor's recent comments about Bangladesh purchasing more Boeing aircraft might have referred to a previously concluded deal.

Gor had claimed in a social media post that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had struck 'another incredible Deal' involving Bangladesh's commitment to spend 'Billions of Dollars' on more Boeing aircraft, with the country set to 'significantly' increase its initial order.

However, Islam said that Gor's comments might have been about the 14-aircraft agreement signed between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US aircraft manufacturer Boeing in Dhaka on April 30, which includes eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737-8 MAX aircraft.

Islam's statement comes amid questions over whether Dhaka had entered into a fresh aircraft procurement agreement with Washington or Boeing. The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry has maintained that no separate Boeing aircraft deal has been signed apart from the 14-aircraft agreement.