Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today declined to comment on Bangladesh's reported plan to purchase military equipment, including fighter jets worth $2.2 billion from China.
Speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, he said, "I won't make any comment on this matter."
When pressed further, he added, "Just because I know something, does that mean I have to reveal everything?"
According to media reports published today, the government is preparing to acquire J-10CE multi-role fighter jets from China to bolster the capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force. The estimated value of the deal is $2.2 billion.
Meanwhile, the committee approved wheat imports from the US and non-basmati parboiled rice from India with a combined cost of Tk 1,044 crore.
Under an earlier memorandum of understanding, Dhaka agreed to purchase 700,000 tonnes of wheat annually from the US -- valued at approximately $200 million -- in exchange for tariff concessions from Washington. As part of the first phase, 220,000 tonnes of wheat will be imported through a government-to-government arrangement.
The Directorate General of Food will oversee the purchase, which is expected to cost Tk 825.31 crore. Agrocorp International Pte Ltd, authorised by US Wheat Associates, will supply the wheat at a rate of $308 per tonne.
Additionally, the committee approved a proposal to import 50,000 tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice from India through an international tender. The contract, valued at Tk 219.09 crore, was awarded to Bagadiya Brothers Private Ltd at a price of $359.77 per tonne.
FP/MI
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