DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that said that Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national carrier of the country, grows phenomenally whenever her party comes to power.
 
Hasina, who is also Awami League president, made the remarks after inaugurating the newly added Boeing 777-300, christened ‘Akash Prodip’ acquired by Biman Bangladesh Airlines in place of DC-10 planes.
 
Prime Minister inaugurated the Boeing at the VIP hangar of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:30am.
 
The Premier said Bangladesh Airlines ensures connectivity with other countries. "This is why we try our best to develop the national carrier whenever we are in power."
 
She also promised to add another Boeing, named Ranga Probhat, to the Biman fleet.
 
The AL president also asked authorities to make Biman more attractive to flyers.  
 
Prime Minister, in her speech, spoke about the construction of an airport at Cox’s Bazar.
 
Besides, she emphasized on constructing an underpass from Airport Rail Station to Airport for smoother travel and forming a special police force to enhance security of the airport.
 
Prime Minister also said that the e-ticket system will be developed in the near future.
 
In her speech, she also praised Bangladeshi pilots for flying obsolete DC-10 flights.
 
Biman MD Kevin Steele, US ambassador Dan W Mozena, civil aviation and tourism minister Rashed Khan Menon, Biman secretary Khorshed Alam and Biman chairman Jamaluddin Ahmed also addressed the programme.
 
Mozena declared that US would continue to assist in the development and growth of Bangladesh.
 
Special envoy to Prime Minister HM Ershad, also former President of the country and chairman of Jatiya Party, graced the inauguration ceremony.
 
BDST: 1540 HRS, FEB 11, 2014