Govt plans weekend customs operations to ease airport cargo congestion

The government is considering keeping customs and related cargo services operational on weekends until a lasting solution is found to the ongoing cargo congestion at the airport, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said today (25 June).

“Cargo volumes are not decreasing because operations remain limited on Fridays and Saturdays. Until permanent infrastructure is developed, customs and other related services must continue during weekends,” he said at a meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce, according to a ministry press release.

The meeting focused on airport cargo handling challenges and possible solutions, following concerns raised by the European Union (EU) over non-tariff barriers affecting trade and investment of the country.

The commerce minister said airports are designed as transit points for the movement of goods rather than long-term storage facilities.

“When cargo remains at the airport for extended periods, congestion becomes inevitable. That is why we need a separate cargo village outside the airport equipped with modern and secure storage facilities,” he said.

Emphasising long-term planning, he said Bangladesh must prepare for cargo demand over the next decade.

“We need separate management systems for hazardous and non-hazardous goods, as well as fast-moving and slow-moving cargo. This will make cargo handling more efficient and aligned with international standards,” he added.

During the meeting, participants noted that while nearly the same volume of cargo is being cleared each day as arrives at the airport, the backlog comes from the limited operations during weekly holidays.

The minister said all stakeholders were showing a positive attitude towards resolving the issue and that both short-term and long-term measures were being pursued.

“A follow-up meeting will be held next week to review updated information and determine the next course of action,” he said.

He stressed that the experience of foreign buyers and investors begins the moment they arrive in Bangladesh or receive their goods through the airport.

“That experience cannot be negative. The problem must be resolved quickly,” he said.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the cargo congestion was not only causing losses for businesses but also harming Bangladesh’s international image.

Calling on relevant agencies to demonstrate visible progress within the next seven days, she warned that the current situation posed safety risks.

“There is always the possibility of an accident under such conditions. The congestion must be reduced quickly to ensure normal airport operations,” she said.

Afroza Khanam also suggested accelerating the disposal of detained and confiscated goods and expanding alternative storage arrangements to reduce pressure on airport facilities.

Addressing the business community, she urged stakeholders to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to threats or work stoppages.

“The government is committed to improving the business environment and protecting the interests of traders and exporters,” she said.

Participants at the meeting said modernising airport cargo management, expediting cargo clearance and ensuring internationally standard logistics services would further strengthen Bangladesh’s export competitiveness in the EU and other global markets.