By Mynul Hasan Sohel, Dhaka Bureau,
Rejecting blind alignment or appeasement politics with any superpower bloc, Bangladesh has firmly declared that national interest and people-centric development needs must form the core foundation of its foreign relations.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Dhaka on October 7 between the national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the European aerospace manufacturer Airbus, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir delivered a bold and unequivocal message. In the presence of European diplomats and delegates, he made it clear that Bangladesh’s dealings or transactions with the United States are of no concern to its European partners, just as its cooperation with Europe is no business of Washington.
‘It’s none of the US’s business in terms of what we do with you, and it’s none of your business what we do with the US,’ Kobir stated. ‘But it is our business to develop our country, and we will do that with you where we see fit.’
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir conveyed this strong message on October 7 in Dhaka, at the signing ceremony of an agreement with the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for the national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Photo: Collected
Commercial Deals: Based on Need, Not Appeasement
Under this recent agreement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is acquiring 10 modern aircraft, comprising four A350-900 widebody jets for long-haul routes and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft for regional operations.
Addressing diplomatic anxieties and concerns over whether excessive commercial concessions had been granted to the United States or if opportunities for European partners were being squeezed, Kobir asserted that Bangladesh does not sign agreements merely to please anyone.
‘This government of Bangladesh has not signed this Airbus deal to make our friends at that table, EU ambassadors, happy,’ he said. ‘This government of Bangladesh has signed this deal because it meets our aviation needs.’
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government will continue to pursue sound commercial partnerships- whether with Boeing, Airbus, or other partners- only when justified by rigorous business cases, legal scrutiny, and strict adherence to national interests, he emphasized.
Aviation as a Diplomatic Tool and Economic Sovereignty
The report highlights that the current government’s foreign policy is flexible, multifaceted, and closely tied to its economic security. Aircraft are viewed not merely as commercial transport, but as powerful tools of foreign policy used to expand global connectivity, open new export markets, and maintain strong links with overseas expatriate communities.
While acknowledging France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union as long-standing and reliable development partners, Kobir called for deepening cooperation in technology transfer, skills training, and investment to benefit young Bangladeshis and businesses across partner nations.
Reiterating a firm stance against unilateral dependence and championing a balanced international approach in an era of global geopolitical polarization, the State Minister concluded, ‘We’re not dependent on any country.’ Analysts view Bangladesh’s independent economic diplomacy as setting a noteworthy precedent on the international stage.
Mynul Hasan Sohel: Special Correspondent, The Daily Inqilab and Executive Editor (Honorary), Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau
