Hit by the air embargo imposed on direct cargo flights from Shahjalal International Airport by the United Kingdom owing to security reasons, Bangladesh keenly awaits the outcome of a very important security assessment, scheduled to be carried out April 8, 2016.
According to reports, as part of its review, the Department of Transport (DoT), UK is supposed to send one of its representatives to Dhaka to reassess the overall progress before preparing its report on airport security. “I can’t say exactly when the ban will be lifted,” said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, adding, “But it is for sure that the developed nations wanted to see improvement of the country’s overall airport security system…The ban is supposed to be lifted when improvement is sustained.”
Also Read – Bangladesh inks contract with UK firm for airport security
It may be mentioned here that in the backdrop of significant trade loss caused by the ban, including in the readymade garments sector, the Bangladesh government signed a Tk 732-million, two-year contract with British firm Redline Aviation Security Limited recently, through which the British company would provide consultancy, supervise the security set-up, and manage and train the airport personnel.
Also Read – USA willing to help Bangladesh improve airport security
A day after signing the agreement, the United States also reportedly came forward and offered its assistance in ensuring “standard security” for the country’s airports.
This was proposed by the US reportedly at a meeting held at the Civil Aviation Ministry. “We discussed when Bangladesh wishes to consult and seek assistance from the US so that we can work together to improve security conditions,” Assistant Secretary for US Homeland Security Alan Bersin told a post-meeting press briefing.
