Minister orders 24/7 import cargo clearance at Dhaka airport to ease congestion
The directive comes after concerns over cargo accumulation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where goods often remain uncleared during weekends, increasing storage pressure and safety risks
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has instructed all agencies involved in import cargo handling at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to ensure round-the-clock operations throughout the week to reduce congestion and prevent cargo backlogs.
The directive was issued at a meeting on import cargo management held at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today (7 June).
Speaking to The Business Standard, CAAB Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan said the meeting focused on preventing cargo accumulation at the airport and reducing risks associated with goods remaining in storage for prolonged periods.
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He said cargo often remains uncleared on Fridays and Saturdays, resulting in unnecessary stockpiling at the airport's Cargo Village.
"To address the issue, the minister directed all relevant agencies to ensure cargo clearance services remain operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with adequate manpower available at all times," Mehboob Khan said. "This will help prevent cargo congestion and minimise safety risks."
The meeting also discussed Friday night's fire at a warehouse operated by courier company DHL inside the airport's Cargo Village. According to officials, the blaze was relatively minor and was quickly brought under control.
CAAB has formed a five-member committee to investigate the incident and asked it to submit its report within seven working days. The committee is expected to submit its findings by 16 June, Mehboob Khan said.
The latest fire broke out in a warehouse where auction-bound goods were being stored. The incident comes less than a year after a major fire on 18 October last year destroyed goods at the same Cargo Village.
Officials involved in that investigation said the blaze had also originated at a DHL-operated facility.
Following Friday's incident, several intelligence agencies questioned five DHL officials as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mehboob Khan said the government had issued directives based on the findings of last year's investigation and that the concerned agencies have been implementing those recommendations. However, Sunday's meeting did not specifically review progress on those measures.
Representatives of exporters, importers and freight forwarders attended the meeting.
While CAAB does not directly oversee import cargo clearance, it manages airport facilities where the process takes place. After cargo is unloaded from aircraft, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, acting as the ground handler, transfers the goods to designated storage areas. Customs authorities and C&F agents then complete the clearance process before the cargo is released.
The meeting was attended by State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Secretary Fahmida Khatun, CAAB Chairman Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq and other senior officials.
