Cargo backlog at Dhaka airport sparks fresh safety concerns

Infographics: TBS

Import consignments are once again piling up at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as many importers fail to clear goods within the stipulated time, increasing congestion and raising security concerns.

Dhaka Customs House has warned that delays in clearing goods are creating operational difficulties and heightening the risk of accidents in the airport's cargo area.

On 12 April, Dhaka Customs House Commissioner Md Mosiur Rahman wrote to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), urging importers to clear goods within 21 days of filing the Bill of Entry, as required by law.

He said administrative action would be taken in case of non-compliance.

Earlier, on 30 March, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Deputy General Manager (Cargo Import) Md Zahiduzzaman also wrote to the BGMEA president, requesting swift clearance of goods.

He warned that delays were posing risks to airport security and disrupting handling operations.

Meanwhile, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said delays in clearance were partly due to the long Eid holidays.

"Factories are now operating in full swing, and member factories have been instructed to clear goods quickly in accordance with the rules," he told The Business Standard.

In his letter, the customs commissioner said the 2025 cargo village fire had exposed serious risks associated with prolonged storage of goods in unmanaged conditions.

He noted that many consignments are still not being declared or cleared within the required timeframe, contributing to congestion and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Under the Customs Act, 2013, importers or their nominated clearing and forwarding agents must submit a Bill of Entry within five working days of goods arriving at a customs station.

Goods must then be cleared within 21 days after completing all procedures, including payment of duties and taxes.

Despite these requirements, officials said delays remain common, prompting renewed instructions for importers and related stakeholders to comply with the rules.

Meanwhile, Biman DGM Md Zahiduzzaman, in his letter to BGMEA, stated that due to limited warehouse capacity, a portion of goods is currently being stored in open areas, exposing them to potential damage from weather conditions.

He also mentioned that renovation work is ongoing in the fire-damaged Zone-B area of the import cargo building, while repairs to adjacent facilities have also begun.

A readymade garment exporter, requesting anonymity, told TBS that delays in infrastructure development and warehouse installation after the fire have contributed to the problem.

"But even after such a major accident, the relevant parties, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, have not made proper arrangements for product storage," the trader said, also alleging a lack of coordination among authorities and slow processing at operational levels.

Concerns over cargo management intensified following a fire in the Cargo Village area of the airport on 18 October 2025. Business leaders had estimated losses of around Tk10,000 crore.

An investigation committee consisting of local and foreign experts was formed following that incident. The committee later found that the Bangladesh National Building Code had not been followed at the airport.

It reported that piled-up goods in the apron area obstructed fire service access during the incident. The report also noted the absence of proper storage management, lack of safety measures for flammable goods, and inadequate fire protection facilities.

According to the findings, around 400 tonnes of goods remain on the apron daily, while no effective supervision system is in place.

The committee also noted that at least seven fire incidents have occurred at the airport since 2013, highlighting weak institutional capacity for prevention and response.