BGMEA worries as UK bans cargo flights from Dhaka

BGMEA President Md. Siddiqur Rahman has urged the government to take necessary steps to ensure that the UK's temporary ban on air cargo directly from Dhaka to the country is lifted soon.

Bangladesh exports apparel worth $3 billion to the UK annually,  Rahman said. “We are worried as we will incur a huge loss due to the ban,” he added.

Rahman said the ban would hurt the Bangladesh garment sector badly as the UK is the second biggest garment export destination for Bangladesh among the EU countries after Germany. He called the government to hold discussion with the UK government to resolve the issue.

On March 9, the UK government announced the suspension of direct cargo flights from Dhaka citing inadequate security measures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The British government's ban follows a similar decision by Australia to stop lifting of cargo from the Dhaka airport.
 
A British delegation which recently visited the Dhaka airport found many security lapses.

According to industry insiders, the members of the British team found that the security personnel of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) involved in the screening of cargo were not well-trained nor was there any proper management, Bangladeshi newspapers have reported.
 
The sources said, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, had addressed security lapses on its part, like access control and positioning guards at the area where cargo is kept outside as well as training of its personnel.
 
The industry insiders said that Biman, which earns a substantial amount of revenue from lifting cargo on its direct flights to London, will be seriously affected by the latest decision. (SH)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India