Photo- Biman Bangladesh Airlines
The British authorities have informed the Bangladesh government that unless there is visible improvement in security situation by March 31, the direct flight of Biman between Dhaka and London will be banned.
British Prime Minister David Cameron in a letter to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina stated that an improvement plan must be developed and delivered by March 31 to avoid further measure like banning of direct Biman flights from Dhaka to London.
The UK government yesterday banned direct cargo movement between Dhaka and London.
Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon told the Dhaka Tribune that he was worried as the UK government decision had spill-over impact.
The European Union, the United States and Australia have asked the British authorities to assess the airport security situation and report back to them.
The minister indicated that the decision might influence others to take similar action.
He said that the British prime minister had informed Hasina that there were continued and serious shortcomings in security arrangements at the airport.
Menon said that he had a telephone conversation with his British counterpart where the UK minister said that Bangladesh had done many things but still many things needed to be addressed.
The UK minister said that they would review the security situation and take a decision after March 31.
“There is no shortage of political will and commitment to improve the situation. When we are doing everything possible, they are imposing ban. The reason is best known to them,” Menon said.
He said even on Tuesday, they had received approval from the Ecnec to purchase Tk90 crore worth of equipment for the airports. “We are going to recruit additional manpower for improving security and we will ensure security for our own benefit,” he added.
“Representatives of the British authorities are still working in Dhaka,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UK authorities yesterday banned air cargo shipment from Dhaka to London until further notice.
In its latest “Bangladesh Airport Update” published Tuesday night, they said that recent security assessment of Dhaka international airport found that some international security requirements were not being met.
“As part of a set of interim measures, cargo will not be allowed on direct flights from Dhaka to the UK until further notice.”
Airlines carrying cargo between Bangladesh and the UK on indirect routes are being asked to ensure it is re-screened before its final leg into the UK. “The UK government is working with the government of Bangladesh to support them in improving standards of aviation security.”
In November, the Australian authorities also suspended air cargo shipment from Bangladesh.
After the explosion at a Russian plane in Egypt, the British authorities felt that the security situation at Dhaka airport was vulnerable and asked the government to improve its conditions.
Regional Liaison Officer for Aviation Safety for Asia-Pacific region Jon Lovsey came in November and submitted its first report where he mentioned about security lapses for passenger movement. Lovsey again visited Dhaka in mid-December and submitted its report where security lapses in cargo handling system were highlighted.
The British authorities alleged that scanner operators did not work properly and they did not have training. In addition to that, they also told Dhaka that explosive tracing machines at the airport were not functional.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
