Airport security steps slow shipments

Garment manufacturers face delays in the delivery of imported raw materials due to beefed-up security measures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which slows shipments.

“We don't get our imported raw materials in time because of the additional security measures taken by the airport authority and a lack of coordination among various agencies involved in the process,” Md Siddiqur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, told reporters at his office in Dhaka yesterday.

The manufacturers have to wait so long to take delivery of accessories, including price and security tags and samples provided by buyers, and imported fabrics, he said.

“In recent times, especially since the beginning of this month, we have been facing difficulties in receiving our imported goods.”

In some cases, it now requires more than two weeks, compared to one day in the past, to take delivery of the goods, Rahman said.

“Some containers also went missing,” he alleged, adding that goods are sometimes left under the open sky.

The airport authorities intercept clearing and forwarding agents at different entry points to the building for security reasons, he said.

Rahman said they are not against the heightened security measures but the new complex formalities are delaying their shipments.

Group Captain MK Zakir Hassan, director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said the problems arose due to a manpower shortage at the airport.

“We are not allowing outsiders into the airport on security grounds.”

The automation of the airport and training of its staff will ease the problems, Hassan said.

“We have taken some steps and the situation will improve within a month.”