Bangladesh seeks UK support to remove EU ‘High Risk Cargo’ status

Bangladesh has sought the UK’s support in securing the withdrawal of the European Union’s “High Risk Cargo & Mail” designation on cargo and postal shipments originating from the country, citing strong recent security assessment scores at two major airports.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the request at a reception on UK investment in Bangladesh’s tourism sector held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Baridhara this evening.

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The minister said the EU has categorised cargo and mail shipments from Bangladesh as “high risk” since June 2017 and that the government has been working continuously to address the concerns behind the restriction.

Referring to a recent assessment by the UK Department for Transport, he said Osmani International Airport received a score of 98 percent, while Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport scored 94 percent on July 17 this year.

“In light of these results, we expect the cooperation and support of the British High Commission for the speedy withdrawal of the restriction,” he said.

Linking aviation development with tourism growth, Millat said the government is working to build a “sustainable and balanced mixed fleet” for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, comprising both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

He also invited UK investors to invest in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector, saying the government is taking steps to attract foreign direct investment and improve the investment environment.

The minister said Bangladesh’s tourism potential extends beyond major destinations such as the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, the hills and lakes of Chattogram, and the tea gardens of Sylhet. He said the government aims to transform the country’s scattered tourism assets into a planned, sustainable and internationally competitive industry.

Millat added that creating greater opportunities for private investment in tourism and hospitality forms part of the government’s broader strategy for economic diversification and job creation.

Representatives from the UK, Germany, France, Spain and the EU attended the event, alongside senior officials from the Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.