Bangladesh garment producers urge lifting of UK’s airfreight ban from Dhaka

Bangladesh garment producers have called on the government to work with the UK to lift the ban on airfreight shipments from Dhaka saying it hurts exports from the country.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Siddiqur Rahman urged the government to ensure that the UK’s temporary ban on air cargo directly from Dhaka to the country is lifted as soon as possible.
The BGMEA president said the ban would hurt exports as the UK is the second biggest garment export destination for Bangladesh among the European Union countries, after Germany.
He called on the government to hold discussion with the UK government to resolve the issue.
Although airfreight shipments on direct flights have been banned, shippers can transit cargo through other airports as long as products are re-screened. However, this will push up supply chain costs and transit times.
During the first six months of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh garment exports to the UK increased by 26.1% year on year to a value of around $2bn, with the majority carried by sea.
The UK Department for Transport issued the cargo ban on direct flights from Dhaka this week after it found that “some international security requirements were not being met”.
It added: "As part of a set of interim measures, cargo will not be allowed on direct flights from Dhaka to the UK until further notice. Airlines carrying cargo between Bangladesh and the UK on indirect routes are being asked to ensure it is re-screened before its final leg into the UK.
"Airlines or importers can contact the Department for Transport for further information. The UK government is working with the government of Bangladesh to support them in improving standards for all aspects of aviation security."