Referring to a press conference on Saturday, the Biman rejoinder said its acting managing director (MD) categorically stated that the procurement of the two F28 aircraft was an interim arrangement till new generation planes are procured for their replacement. As such, the content of the report and headline does not truly reflect the statement of the acting MD at the press conference, Biman claimed.

It further claimed that at no stage of the press conference was the acting MD asked about shortage of planes when the ATP aircraft remained grounded.

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The Daily Star report said Biman now wants to sell off the two newly bought F28 aircraft along with three other similar aircraft.

The report also said the national flag carrier would try to trade in the F28 aircraft for either Airbus or Boeing that Biman intends to buy. The report quoted Biman acting MD as saying, "But the whole procurement will take at least two to three years as it involves many complicated technical and financial issues."

The report incorporated the acting MD's comment on the shortage of planes following the reporter's conversation with him.

The Daily Star stands by its report.