Boeing Deal Three Days Before Polls: Is the Election Being “Sold” for Tk 35,000 Crore?

Dhaka:
Just three days ahead of Bangladesh’s national parliamentary election, the interim government has moved to sign a major commercial agreement with the United States, triggering intense political and public debate. The deal involves the purchase of 25 aircraft from American aerospace giant Boeing at an estimated cost of Tk 30,000 to Tk 35,000 crore.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed in Washington, DC, on February 9, while the national election is set for February 12. The timing of the deal has raised serious questions over whether such a large, long-term financial commitment by an interim government contradicts the spirit of the election-period neutrality and binds a future elected government without its mandate.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday (February 8), Interim Government Adviser for Commerce and Civil Aviation and Tourism Sheikh Bashiruddin addressed the controversy. He said the full terms and conditions of the agreement would be made public after signing, citing international protocol and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) as reasons for withholding details in advance.
According to the adviser, Bangladesh currently exports goods worth nearly Tk 1 lakh crore annually to the United States. He argued that strengthening bilateral trade relations and safeguarding access to the US market were key reasons behind the decision to purchase aircraft from Boeing. He also revealed that while the US had proposed selling 47 aircraft, Bangladesh decided to proceed with the purchase of 25 for now.
The government maintains that completing the deal before the election would reduce pressure on the incoming elected government. Critics, however, strongly dispute this claim. They argue that an interim administration lacks the moral and democratic authority to finalize such a massive and long-term state obligation on the eve of a national election.
Opponents question whether the interim government has the legitimacy to make decisions that create substantial financial liabilities for the state and effectively lock in policy choices for future governments. Many fear the deal signals more than an economic transaction, suggesting possible political concessions tied to international interests.
As the election approaches, the Boeing deal has added a new layer of tension to Bangladesh’s political landscape. Whether this Tk 35,000 crore decision ultimately strengthens the economy or undermines democratic norms remains a critical question facing the country.