DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the authorities of Biman Bangladesh Airlines to improve the quality of passenger services.
The premier was addressing the induction ceremony of ‘Gaangchil’, Biman’s third Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, at the VVIP Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Thursday (August 22) afternoon.
“It’s a responsibility of all involved in operating the national flag carrier to retain and increase reputation of Biman by further raising its passenger services,” she said.
Mentioning the commissioning of ‘Gaangchil’, the prime minister called for proper maintenance of the aircraft of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
“I’ll like to tell those involved in running Biman to work with utmost sincerity and patriotism … You’ll have to work keeping in mind that Bangladesh is our country and Bangladesh Biman is our own asset,” she said.
Terming Bangladesh Biman as a ‘symbol of independence’, Sheikh Hasina said, “I’ll like to request all concerned to take care so that the aircraft can fly properly spreading its wings.”
The premier said the induction of Gaangchil into the Biman’s fleet is another milestone for the national flag carrier. “It’s a day of fulfilling the dream,” she said.
The premier commissioned the aircraft named 'Gangchil' at the VVIP Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:30am. Gangchil will make its inaugural take off for Abu Dhabi, at 5:30pm.
After the inauguration, Sheikh Hasina boarded and inspected inside the aircraft and talked to its pilots and other crew members.
A munajat was offered on the occasion, seeking continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.
The aircraft was brought from Boeing Company in Seattle, United States on July 25 and named by Sheikh Hasina. In 2008, Biman signed a deal with Boeing to buy 10 aircrafts. The next one named 'Rajhongsho' is expected to arrive here in September.
2 more cargo planes to be purchased
Regarding the decision to purchase two more cargo planes, Sheikh Hasina said, "Later, we will buy more planes as needed." Of these, I want to buy two more cargo planes so that export-import of the country increases. We have already decided to buy two separate cargo planes for that.
Loans from local banks to buy plane in future
Regarding the decision to borrow from the local banks to procure planes in future, the Prime Minister said, you have already heard that we used to borrow money from abroad. Now we have decided that we will buy plane taking loan from our bank.
Efforts on to start flight to US
Sheikh Hasina said Biman Bangladesh Airlines will try to launch direct flight to the United States, "We cannot go to US directly now; Now our Dreamliner has the ability to go directly to Dhaka from JFK. That's why we're trying now to introduce the flight.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mohibul Haque, Chairman of Board of Directors of Biman Air Marshal (retd) Muhammad Enamul Bari, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Captain Farhat Hasan Jamil also spoke at the ceremony.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller was also present at the ceremony.
BDST: 1604 HRS, AUG 22, 2019
RS/SMS
