Special Correspondent, Dhaka:
US President Donald Trump’s upbeat message to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has created optimism about stronger Dhaka-Washington relations, but the planned expansion of Bangladesh’s Boeing purchases is facing questions over its financial and commercial viability.
In a letter to Tarique, Trump praised Bangladesh’s decision to purchase Boeing aircraft and said he believed the country and its people had a “very bright future” under the prime minister’s leadership. He also said he looked forward to meeting Tarique “in the not too distant future.”
Trump’s comments are significant as Bangladesh seeks to expand engagement with Washington following its political transition. The prospect of a direct meeting between the two leaders could further strengthen high-level political contacts and provide momentum to discussions on trade, investment, and broader bilateral cooperation.
However, the positive diplomatic signal has been accompanied by growing scrutiny of the Boeing deal. Bangladesh has already signed an agreement to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines at an estimated value of $3.7 billion. The order includes eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9s, and four 737-8 Max aircraft.
The government has indicated that it may purchase additional aircraft, with officials saying Bangladesh could require 70 to 80 aircraft, or more, over the next 10 to 15 years. The rationale is that fleet expansion is necessary to open new routes, increase passenger capacity, and strengthen Biman’s position in international aviation.
Yet experts have questioned whether the national carrier and the wider economy can comfortably absorb such a large financial commitment. Earlier criticism of the Boeing purchase has focused particularly on financing and the ability of Biman to generate sufficient commercial returns from an expanded fleet.
The concerns are important because aircraft purchases involve not only the headline price but also financing costs, maintenance, crew training, spare parts, airport infrastructure, and the ability to keep planes commercially productive.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has rejected suggestions that Bangladesh is purchasing aircraft because of US pressure. He said the decision was based on the country’s aviation needs and stressed that Dhaka would maintain a balance in its relations with Washington and Beijing.
That balancing approach will be important as the Boeing issue increasingly takes on a diplomatic dimension. Trump’s personal endorsement may strengthen political goodwill between the two countries, but the success of the aircraft program will ultimately depend on whether Biman can turn fleet expansion into sustainable revenue, stronger connectivity, and greater competitiveness.
For Dhaka, therefore, Trump’s invitation and praise offer diplomatic encouragement, while the Boeing purchase demands careful economic scrutiny. The two developments together underline the opportunities—and risks—of Bangladesh’s growing engagement with Washington.
