Bangladesh seeks UK help to withdraw EU's high-risk cargo status
Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the call during a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook at his office at the Secretariat in Dhaka today
Bangladesh has sought the United Kingdom's support in facilitating the withdrawal of the European Union's High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) status imposed on the country, saying the designation has increased air cargo handling time and costs.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the call during a meeting with British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka today (15 September).
The minister said the EU imposed the HRCM status on Bangladesh in 2017, resulting in higher costs and longer processing times for air cargo.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"The current government has taken initiatives to withdraw the status since assuming office," Millat said, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
He said the government had taken steps to install Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) at airports in line with EU requirements.
He also said recent audits of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet had received satisfactory ratings.
"Therefore, the government wants the European Union to take initiatives to withdraw the HRCM status," Millat said.
The HRCM issue was discussed alongside broader Bangladesh-UK cooperation in aviation and tourism.
The two sides also discussed the proposed purchase of Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of efforts to modernise the national flag carrier.
Millat said Biman currently faced an aircraft shortage and that steps were being taken on an urgent basis to expand its fleet.
He said any aircraft procurement process would be carried out with transparency and accountability, with the government making its decision based on recommendations from a high-level negotiation committee.
The British high commissioner said UK investors were interested in investing in Bangladesh's hospitality sector and that the UK was ready to support the country's efforts to establish itself as an aviation hub.
The two sides also discussed the interest of UK-based Menzies Aviation in working with Biman on ground-handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
