Dhaka: Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called for expediting the construction of necessary infrastructure to resolve longstanding cargo handling problems at the country's airports. He emphasized that the construction of temporary and permanent warehouses should proceed without delays caused by lengthy administrative procedures.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while presiding over a review meeting at the Ministry of Commerce's conference room. The meeting focused on enhancing airport cargo handling capacity and constructing warehouses to boost trade and investment between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU). Muktadir highlighted that the responsibility for developing and managing airport infrastructure lies with the relevant authorities, while customs is tasked with ensuring the legality of imported and exported goods, necessary declarations, and payment of duties and taxes.
The minister clarified that customs' core responsibilities do not include the construction of warehouses and infrastructure management. He stressed the need for resolving infrastructural issues swiftly to increase cargo handling capacity. Although the issue does not fall directly under the Ministry of Commerce's jurisdiction, it is closely linked to the country's trade and export activities, Muktadir noted. He emphasized the importance of modern cargo management at airports, particularly for expanding trade with the European Union.
To expedite the process, Muktadir proposed establishing an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism, possibly including a representative from the Ministry of Commerce. Such coordination would enhance cooperation among concerned agencies and accelerate decision implementation. He also underlined the necessity of quickly identifying a location and completing arrangements for a temporary warehouse, suggesting that decisions regarding land acquisition through rental or other means should be made promptly to operationalize required facilities.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam highlighted ongoing efforts to transform Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a safer, more modern, and efficient organization. She prioritized resolving technical and infrastructural problems and emphasized the need for simplifying formalities, ensuring transparency, and swiftly implementing decisions.
The meeting included discussions on increasing airport cargo handling capacity, expediting goods release, and reducing trade and business obstacles through temporary and permanent solutions. Detailed discussions were held on seven potential sites for constructing a temporary warehouse near the airport and four potential sites for a permanent warehouse. Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhter, Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and senior officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, and other concerned ministries attended the meeting.