Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has highlighted the necessity of maintaining customs and related services during weekly holidays and establishing a dedicated cargo village outside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to alleviate persistent cargo congestion. Speaking at a meeting on the airport's cargo handling crisis, Muktadir noted that cargo volumes remain high due to limited operations on Fridays and Saturdays.
Prolonged Cargo Stays Cause Congestion
The minister pointed out that the airport serves as a transit point for goods rather than a storage facility. However, extended stays of cargo have led to serious congestion, impacting trade and logistics activities. He stressed the importance of creating a modern and secure cargo village outside the airport to manage different types of cargo efficiently.
Stakeholders Identify Key Issues
Stakeholders at the meeting identified limited operations during holidays as a major factor behind the slow reduction of the backlog. Despite daily cargo clearance, the accumulated backlog remains largely unchanged. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam warned of safety risks and called for immediate steps to reduce congestion.
Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions
Muktadir said that both short-term and long-term solutions are being pursued, with all stakeholders showing a positive attitude towards resolving the problem. Another meeting is scheduled next week to review progress and determine further actions. He emphasized that the experience of cargo clearance forms the first impression of Bangladesh for foreign buyers and investors.
Modernizing Cargo Management
Participants at the meeting observed that modernizing airport cargo management, expediting cargo clearance, and ensuring international-standard logistics services would strengthen Bangladesh's export competitiveness in global markets, including the European Union. Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan chaired the meeting, attended by representatives from relevant government agencies, business associations, cargo operators, and customs authorities.
