Mechanical Fault Delays PM's Return Flight from Japan

A mechanical fault was detected on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s flight as he was returning to Dhaka after a visit to Japan, delaying his departure, officials concerned said.

The aircraft carrying him was moved back to the tarmac after the fault was detected. The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight was scheduled to take off at around 6pm local time on Thursday (October 29).

However, about 40 minutes after the scheduled departure time, the pilot informed passengers over the cockpit announcement system that the flight was delayed due to a mechanical fault. He also apologised for the delay.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman travelled to Tokyo on October 26 for a four-day state visit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

During the visit, he took part in a high-level bilateral meeting with the Japanese prime minister.

He also held meetings with chairpersons, chief executive officers (CEOs) and senior officials of various Japanese private-sector companies and financial institutions. Discussions focused on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan and expanding investment.

Several memorandums of understanding were also signed between the two countries in areas including agriculture, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, information technology and industrial standards.

Towards the end of his visit, the prime minister attended a reception hosted by Bangladeshi nationals living in Tokyo.