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The move primarily aimed at reducing Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the US and to seek relief from the tariff burden.

Through negotiations, the tariff rate was reduced to 20 percent, effective August 1, 2025. Subsequently, the interim government signed a “trade agreement” with the US on February 9, 2026, which lowered the tariff further to 19 percent.

Earlier, during the interim government’s tenure, Biman said it will buy 14 aircraft from Boeing.

The first Boeing aircraft is scheduled for delivery in November 2031, while the rest are expected to arrive by October 2035, said Biman sources.

Regarding the purchase of Boeing aircraft, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the formulation of a comprehensive action plan was needed based on route-specific revenue analysis before adding any aircraft.

She also said timely and realistic steps could turn Biman a more profitable and passenger-friendly institution.

State Minister for Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the activities to expedite Boeing aircraft acquisition process must be kept ongoing.

He stressed for timeliness of the supply chain and called for coordinated efforts among all concerned.

In the meeting, Biman presented its plan to operate flights on Yangon, Male and New York routes by 2026, Kunming and Bahrain route by 2028 and Sydney, Uhan, Jakarta and Seoul route by 2029.

The meeting also provided directives for necessary preparations to resume Biman’s Dhaka-Narita flight operations, which remained suspended since July 1, 2025 due to “Haj flights, aircraft shortages, and business realities”, according to Biman.