Cargo handling at Dhaka airport rises 15pc

The amount of cargo being handled by Bangladesh’s premier airport has been increasing by 15 percent annually for the past few years coupled with the country’s rising exports, said a high official of a top freight forwarders’ platform yesterday.

“Sophisticated technology and equipment should be adopted for reaping the immense potential while money invested to ensure security,” added Muammar Ahmad, director finance of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association.

He was addressing a press conference at the closing day of their 46th executive council and annual general meeting at the Radisson hotel in Dhaka.

Ahmad cited the example of Singapore’s Changi Airport, saying that they were going to invest $1 billion just to set up scanners.

Bangladesh should follow suit to upgrade Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he said, adding, “(Its) cargo handling efficiency is very good and completion of the third terminal will give huge benefits.”

Aleck Koh, founder of Singapore Aircargo Agents Association, said the Singapore government was emphasising security and technology adaptation for fast movement of cargo.

They also provided training to build up skilled manpower to efficiently run the air cargo service, he said.

Niral Kadawatharatchie, outgoing chairman of the Federation of Asia Pacific Aircargo Associations (FAPAA), said they had a practice of sharing experiences and ways to face challenges among their members.

He said the FAPAA members agreed to continue to work to achieve a meaningful dialogue with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations on relevant issues affecting all parties within the sector.

A total of 19 countries of the Asia Pacific region attended the two-day annual event organised by the FAPAA. It is the second time that Bangladesh hosted the event following the FAPAA’s formation in 1985. The next event will be held in Malaysia next year.