Wednesday, 05 November, 2025
The European Union (EU) has urged Bangladesh to ensure transparency and fair competition in all major procurement decisions, with a particular focus on the inclusion of Airbus aircraft in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet renewal plan—emphasising a level playing field for European companies.
“In this context, I want to make it clear: Airbus should be included in Biman’s fleet renewal, in line with Bangladesh’s long-standing commitments to transparency and non-discrimination,” said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, on Tuesday at the European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth hosted at the Franco-German Embassy in Dhaka.
The event was attended by France’s Ambassador-designate Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, and German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, highlighting strong European interest in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Miller emphasised the evolving trade and investment ties between the EU and Bangladesh, noting the bloc’s long-term support for the country’s economic diversification and modernisation.
“We have supported Bangladesh through preferential access under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, development cooperation and expertise, and investments through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy,” he said, underlining Europe’s commitment to public and private sector growth.
Miller further noted that the EU and Bangladesh are close to finalising an upgraded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, a framework reflecting the EU’s role as a “reliable partner in boosting exports, economic growth, and job creation.”
Highlighting trade ties, he pointed out that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export market, with bilateral goods trade reaching €22.2 billion in 2024. He also encouraged Dhaka to pursue GSP+ status, linking continued preferential access to commitments on sustainability, governance, and fair trade practices.
On economic relations, Miller stressed reciprocity and transparency: “We expect a level playing field. EU operators must not be treated less favourably than competitors from other regions.”
Turning to aviation, the ambassador described the European aviation industry as a strategic priority for the EU’s engagement with Bangladesh, echoing his fellow envoys’ optimism about the sector’s growth. He underscored that the EU “must have its place at this table” as Bangladesh modernises its fleet.
Currently, Biman’s Techno-Financial Committee is reviewing two major proposals: Airbus has offered 10 A350 wide-body and four A320neo narrow-body jets, while Boeing has proposed 10 B787 Dreamliners and four B737 Max aircraft.
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The European Union (EU) has urged Bangladesh to ensure transparency and fair competition in all major procurement decisions, with a particular focus on the inclusion of Airbus aircraft in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet renewal plan—emphasising a level playing field for European companies.
“In this context, I want to make it clear: Airbus should be included in Biman’s fleet renewal, in line with Bangladesh’s long-standing commitments to transparency and non-discrimination,” said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, on Tuesday at the European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth hosted at the Franco-German Embassy in Dhaka.
The event was attended by France’s Ambassador-designate Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, and German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, highlighting strong European interest in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
Ambassador Miller emphasised the evolving trade and investment ties between the EU and Bangladesh, noting the bloc’s long-term support for the country’s economic diversification and modernisation.
“We have supported Bangladesh through preferential access under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, development cooperation and expertise, and investments through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy,” he said, underlining Europe’s commitment to public and private sector growth.
Miller further noted that the EU and Bangladesh are close to finalising an upgraded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, a framework reflecting the EU’s role as a “reliable partner in boosting exports, economic growth, and job creation.”
Highlighting trade ties, he pointed out that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export market, with bilateral goods trade reaching €22.2 billion in 2024. He also encouraged Dhaka to pursue GSP+ status, linking continued preferential access to commitments on sustainability, governance, and fair trade practices.
On economic relations, Miller stressed reciprocity and transparency: “We expect a level playing field. EU operators must not be treated less favourably than competitors from other regions.”
Turning to aviation, the ambassador described the European aviation industry as a strategic priority for the EU’s engagement with Bangladesh, echoing his fellow envoys’ optimism about the sector’s growth. He underscored that the EU “must have its place at this table” as Bangladesh modernises its fleet.
Currently, Biman’s Techno-Financial Committee is reviewing two major proposals: Airbus has offered 10 A350 wide-body and four A320neo narrow-body jets, while Boeing has proposed 10 B787 Dreamliners and four B737 Max aircraft.
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