Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said the government is keen to work with Lufthansa to advance Bangladesh as an aviation hub.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a Lufthansa delegation led by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz at the minister’s office at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The meeting discussed air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany, the development of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and various issues of mutual interest.

The minister said there is ample scope to expand cooperation in the civil aviation sector based on the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany.

Describing Lufthansa as a globally renowned aviation company, Millat said the airline has opportunities to invest in establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities as part of Bangladesh’s efforts to develop itself as an aviation hub. He also said Lufthansa could work with Biman Bangladesh Airlines to develop skilled human resources in the country.

The minister said the European Union’s High-Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) status imposed on cargo arriving in Bangladesh has remained in place since 2017. He said the government has taken measures to address all observations since assuming office.

He said Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport achieved ratings of more than 90 percent in recently completed security audits. Therefore, Bangladesh expects Germany’s cooperation in withdrawing the HRCM status, he added.

Millat said the government is working to sign an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. However, he stressed the need to bring forward the delivery schedule.

He also emphasised that delivery of the Airbus aircraft should begin before 2030.

At the meeting, both sides expressed interest in further deepening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Germany, increasing air connectivity and expanding mutual cooperation in the tourism sector.