Legal notice demands disclosure of 14 Boeing purchase deal

A legal notice has been served on government officials demanding the full disclosure of documents and information related to the agreement to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft from the United States. The notice calls for making the contract terms, pricing, procurement process and other relevant details available to the public.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister MMG Sarwar Pavel sent the notice on Monday, September 7. It was addressed to the Cabinet Secretary, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary, Finance Secretary, and the Chairman and Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines .

The notice states that according to media reports, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a deal to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft at a cost of approximately $3.7 billion. It raises concerns over the transparency, financial justification and public interest of the decision involving a massive amount of public money .

The notice also refers to the country's current economic situation, foreign currency crisis and inflation, as well as the alternative proposal from Airbus . It questions the rationale behind the Boeing purchase decision in light of these factors .

The notice demands to know whether any financial commitment has been made regarding the Boeing purchase and whether any further purchase or lease plans exist. It calls for an independent feasibility assessment, financial evaluation and public interest assessment before any new agreement or commitment is made.

It also states that any aircraft procurement must follow the Public Procurement Act, 2006 to ensure transparency and a competitive process .

The notice requests a satisfactory response within seven days. Failing that, a writ petition will be filed before the High Court Division under Articles 44 and 102 of the Constitution to protect public funds.