Published: 11:53 PM, 22 September 2026
Airbus is a test for Bangladesh government: French Ambassador
French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet wants to see Bangladesh's plan for advancing a long-term partnership with Europe under the current BNP government in the context of its potential purchase of aircraft from Airbus. He made the remarks on Tuesday inresponse to a question at the DCAB Talk, organized in Dhaka by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
Saying that he was not yet "concerned" about the Airbus sale because discussions and negotiations with the government were still ongoing, the ambassador said, "I am insisting on a level playing field, and this is a message that we are also giving to the current government. Because we believe this is essential.
"I think this is a good test for the current government, and we have confidence in this government and in Biman."
Describing the Airbus deal as important for Europe, he said, "Why is this important for Europe? Of course, 10 aircraft is not a big deal, but for us it is more than that. Bangladesh is willing to engage in discussions to enter into a long-term partnership with Europeans in the field of civil aviation. This is very important.
"We believe in partnership. We do not believe in making a deal and then walking away, and this is not how we operate either. We want to build a genuine long-term partnership, like the partnerships Bangladesh has with many French companies."
Emphasizing the desire to advance such long-term partnerships in the future, he said, "It is not simply about selling Airbus aircraft and then ending the relationship; it is actually about entering into a long-term partnership."
Describing Europe as a major partner for Bangladesh, the ambassador said 48 percent of Bangladesh's garment exports go to Europe, compared with 17 percent to the United States. "It is three to one," he said. The figure would be even higher if the United Kingdom were included.
"So Europe is the major partner. When we talk with our Bangladeshi friends, we simply remind them of one thing: our common interest is to build a partnership. Because you have a reliable, relevant and interested partner that wants to cooperate with you."
Discussions over purchasing aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines had begun during the previous Awami League government. There had been a long-running competition over whether the multibillion-dollar business would go to American giant Boeing or European manufacturer Airbus.
Toward the end of its tenure, the Awami League government had leaned toward Airbus, with then Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mahbub Ali saying that a decision to purchase 10 aircraft from Airbus was being finalized.
However, the political changeover on August 5 altered the situation. The interim government decided to purchase aircraft from Boeing.
The BNP government, which came to power in February this year, has also followed the Boeing route. Two months after taking office, the government signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft.
