UK likely to lift cargo ban in December

The UK will likely to lift the ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka to London within this month.

Confirming the matter, Air Vice Marshal M Naim Hassan told Jago News: “If everything is okay, the UK will lift the ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka to London within this month.”

The index of Bangladesh Civil Aviation Security has increased to 77.46 in 2017 from 50.2 in 2012 where an airport security index should be at least 60 according to the criteria of the International Civil Aviation Organization. That’s why, the UK will lift the ban, he added.

UK slapped an embargo on direct air cargo shipment from Dhaka to London in March 2016 citing security reasons.

A three-member UK team of representative was visited Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s security system and held talks with civil aviation authorities. The team had expressed content after observing Airport’s situation.

Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon told Jago News that the UK had given some specific advices on safety in the food supply, baggage handling, in and out and explosive detection systems in the Airport.

From now on, the passengers are being asked to open belts, clocks or shoes at the time of check-in. As per their suggestions, some advanced equipment have been set up including scanning equipment in search of explosives.

Detectives and police clearance of the cockpit and cabin crew have been taken in addition to the people in connection with baggage handling. The UK team is satisfied with the condition of airport. As a result, there is no any restriction to withdraw the ban.

It is mentionable that in late 2015, Britain’s Transport Office urged some countries including Bangladesh to increase the security of Airport after the crash of a Russian airplane in a terrorist attack.