DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce and Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin today said the government expects further reductions in US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports as negotiations continue ahead of a pending bilateral trade agreement. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the adviser said Bangladesh had already negotiated down a 37 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States to 20 percent and hoped to secure additional reductions through ongoing talks. "A 37 percent tariff was imposed on our exports to the United States, which we managed to reduce to 20 percent through negotiations," he said, adding that Bangladesh is working to lower the rate further, including efforts to secure zero tariffs on its key export product, garments. Referring to the proposed purchase of Boeing aircraft, the adviser said Bangladesh has export potential worth around Tk 100,000 crore to the United States, noting that the figure could rise significantly if improved market access is secured. He said that to address the commercial uncertainty created by the recently imposed 37 percent reciprocal tariff by the United States, and with the aim of reducing a USD 6 billion trade deficit, the government has proposed the purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft alongside other import liberalisation measures.  Exports worth US 8 billion dollars, he noted, are directly linked to employment for around 500,000 to 700,000 people. Noting that neighbouring countries have already signed contracts to purchase hundreds of Boeing aircraft, he said that in this context, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has approved a long-term plan to expand its network and fleet. Accordingly, he said that Biman began receiving and reviewing proposals from both Boeing and Airbus for aircraft procurement. Based on the proposals received, Biman's techno-financial committee has decided to proceed with the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft, and negotiations with Boeing are currently underway. He said that if the negotiations are successful, the deal would be signed before the election. On aviation reforms, Sheikh Bashiruddin said the government issued the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Travel Agency Registration and Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 on January 1 to curb ticket syndication and blocking, bringing ticket distribution channels under licensing and accountability. He said the strengthened oversight has contributed to a decline in airfares, citing the Dhaka-Jeddah route where ticket prices that reached Tk 105,000 in February last year are now available between Tk 53,000 and Tk 60,000. The adviser also said Hajj airfares have been reduced by Tk 54,000 compared to the previous season, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines will transport Hajj pilgrims this year on scheduled Saudi-bound flights instead of charter services that previously returned empty. Under the new arrangement, the adviser said Biman will carry regular passengers on return dedicated hajj flights, allowing the sale of low-cost tickets, including return seats priced at Tk 20,000, creating opportunities for expatriate workers to travel home ahead of the upcoming Eid holidays. Secretary responds to criticism Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said the ministry had undertaken legal and policy reforms to ensure affordable overseas travel for ordinary citizens, particularly migrant workers, but noted that some media reports had misrepresented the reform initiatives. Nasreen Jahan said former Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited chairman Abdul Moeed Chowdhury stepped down while undergoing medical treatment in Singapore. Following approval from the Chief Adviser under the Bangladesh Biman law, Sheikh Bashiruddin was assigned the role of chairman alongside his advisory responsibilities, citing past precedents of such dual roles. The secretary reiterated that the January 1 ordinances brought air ticket distribution under stricter oversight, leading to a visible downward trend in fares.  She said Hajj pilgrims, previously carried on special charter flights, will now travel on regular scheduled services, enabling around 80,000 return tickets to be sold at a subsidised rate of Tk 20,000. She said inconsistencies in existing leasing policies for landside and airside properties of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh prompted the formulation of a comprehensive regulation under the Civil Aviation Act, introducing open tendering while keeping leasing authority with CAAB. Nasreen Jahan said Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently operates with 19 aircraft and will hire four more by 2030. Without fleet expansion, she said, operating existing routes and launching new ones would be difficult. She said the government proposed purchasing 25 Boeing aircraft as part of a long-term fleet and network expansion plan, also aimed at easing trade imbalances and mitigating uncertainty arising from US reciprocal tariffs.  She added that the procurement process, which began in 2024, is ongoing and not being rushed. The secretary said Akij Bashir Aviation Limited applied for a helicopter operating licence in March following CAAB procedures, clarifying that Sheikh Bashiruddin is only a shareholder and has no role in the company's management. The application remains under review by CAAB. Referring to comments by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Nasreen Jahan said the fare-filing requirement cited in the January 1 ordinance already existed under previous rules.  She said CAAB is empowered to issue fare guidance only in cases of artificial price manipulation or monopolistic practices, adding that the ministry has already responded to IATA headquarters.