EU slaps cargo curbs on Dhaka

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The European Union has put Bangladesh on the list of high-risk countries in terms of operating cargo services by air and sea to EU countries.

The European Union has joined the league of Australia, the UK and Germany in terming Bangladesh a high-risk country in terms of operating cargo services by air and sea to the EU countries.

The decision came into effect from June 1, and Bangladesh-origin businesses now require re-screening of their goods at a third airport en route to an EU country, officials said.

EU Ambassador in Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon disclosed the decision at a meeting with CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Ehsanul Gani Chowdhury at the latter's office yesterday, The Daily Star reported.

Last year, Australia, the UK and Germany termed Bangladesh a high-risk country and imposed a ban on direct cargo flights citing poor security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

"Bangladesh has been red listed by the EU, which means it has been labelled as a high-risk country for cargo operations," said a top official of Shahjalal airport.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon said there is another alternative through which Bangladesh will be able to operate cargo services to Europe.

"In that case, Bangladesh will have to pay a certain amount of fees to the export destinations for carrying out a second screening through explosive detection system.