PM commissions two new aircraft

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday commissioned two new Dash 8-Q400 aircraft in the Biman Bangladesh fleet, three months after the state-run airlines inducted one short-haul craft of the same brand which now enhanced the fleet strength to 21.

". . . the more we can improve the passenger services [of Biman] people will be benefited and the country will be developed," the premier told the commissioning ceremony of the crafts.

She expected that these modern aircrafts would help Biman strengthen its domestic and regional connectivity.

Sheikh Hasina urged Biman to perform its duties with all sincerity as the national airlines since millions of people had to shed their blood for Bangladesh's independence.

"We all have the responsibilities to brighten the country's image," she said and simultaneously asked Biman to take good care of every aircraft and maintain better passenger services.

"The services to passengers will have to be much better."

The premier reminded the state-run airline officials that 16 of its 21 aircrafts were brand new which were procured with public money that demanded extra attention to their proper maintenance.

With the Dash 8-Q400 planes, Biman would now be able to increase its communication with the neighbouring countries apart from developing it at the domestic level.

The ceremony took place at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport VIP Lounge while the premier joined the function through a virtual platform from her official residence the Gano Bhaban.

The premier said the government currently was constructing the third terminal at Shahjalal International Airport which would be ultramodern in type to handle wide-bodied planes in the country and improve passenger services.

She said the government is upgrading Cox's Bazar airport to an international one as this airport could play an immense role on the international air route and help Bangladesh prosper more economically.

The premier said Biman earlier used to rent aircraft to carry hajj pilgrims but now takes them by own aircrafts.

She said the government is pulling Bangladesh ahead and will materialise the "Sonar Bangla" as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mohammad Mahbub Ali chaired the ceremony, conducted by Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus while Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Mohammad Mokammel Hossain delivered the welcome address.

A documentary on Dash 8-Q400 aircraft and Biman was also screened at the function.

Biman procured three Dash 8-Q400 aircraft under the G2G (government-to-government) agreement between Bangladesh and Canadian governments.

The fleet included four Boeing 777-300ER, four Boeing 787-8, two Boeing 787-9, six Boeing 737, and three Dash 8-Q400.

The national flag carrier received the Dash 8-Q400 aircraft from Canada's prominent aircraft-maker De Havilland Aircraft.

The first Dash 8-Q400 aircraft arrived in Bangladesh on November 24 last year, the second one on February 24, and the third one on March 4.

Sheikh Hasina herself named these "Akash Tari", Shwetbalaka" and "Dhrubotara".

The other brand new aircrafts included by the government have been named Palki, Arun Alo, Akash Pradip, Raanga Pravat, Meghdoot, Mayurpankhi, Akash Beena, Hongshobalaka, Gangchil, Achin Pakhi and Sonar Tori in accordance with country's nature.