Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today stressed the need to begin deliveries of Airbus aircraft before 2030 as Bangladesh set to sign an agreement to purchase 10 aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday. 

He made the remarks when a Lufthansa delegation, led by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz, paid a courtesy call on him at his ministry office at noon. 

“We are working towards signing an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft for the development of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. However, it is essential to bring forward the delivery schedule,” the minister said.

He emphasised that deliveries should begin before 2030.

The meeting discussed air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany, Biman’s development and other matters of mutual interest.

Millat said the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries provided considerable scope for expanding cooperation in civil aviation.

Describing Lufthansa as a globally renowned aviation company, he invited its investment in establishing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities to support Bangladesh’s ambition to become an aviation hub.

He said Lufthansa could also work with Biman to develop skilled aviation personnel within Bangladesh.

The minister sought Germany’s cooperation in securing the withdrawal of the European Union’s High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) designation for cargo originating from Bangladesh, which has remained in place since 2017.

He said the government had taken measures to address all observations since assuming office.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport each achieved ratings exceeding 90 percent in recently completed security audits, he said, citing the results while seeking German support for lifting the designation.

Both sides expressed interest in deepening bilateral relations, increasing air connectivity and expanding cooperation in tourism.

Millat expressed optimism that cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany would become broader and more fruitful in the coming years.