Aussie High Commissioner for improved airport security to lift air ban in Bangladesh

Close on the heels of Australia’s embargo on air freight from Bangladesh, along with countries such as Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Somalia, which is in force as a preventive security measure from December 19, the Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Greg Wilcock has suggested that security be improved at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport if the country wants the ban on air shipments be lifted.

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This the Australian High Commissioner said in a meeting with the leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) recently, while also expressing optimism about the withdrawal of the restriction.

“We urged the High Commissioner to withdraw the ban as soon as possible as it is hampering our business with the emerging Australian market,” said BGMEA Vice-President Mohammed Nasir, adding, “Our Foreign Ministry has also been lobbying with the Australian Government to resolve the issue through discussion.”

Also Read – BGMEA rues shipment delays at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

According to Australia’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the embargo that bans anything heavier than 500gm is applicable to cargo carried on passenger and freight aircraft, and will remain in force until further notice.

Australia is a promising destination for Bangladesh as exports from Bangladesh to the country are on the rise, with higher demand for the locally-made, cheaper clothing items. According to data from Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), garment items accounted for 88 per cent of the total US $ 606.88 million, worth exports from Bangladesh to Australia in the last financial year.

Earlier, expressing his apprehensions on the embargo, Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Hedayetullah Al Mamoon said, “We now fear loss of business,” while underlining that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been lobbying with the Australian Government, and that the Commerce Ministry was also continuing its efforts to resolve the issue.