The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday expressed deep concern over the UK's and Australia's ban on direct cargo flights from Bangladesh.

“The DCCI is deeply concerned over the decision to ban the entry of direct cargo to the UK. We believe this will have a serious impact on our exports,” the leading chamber said in a statement yesterday.

The UK government banned the entry of direct air cargo flights from Dhaka on March 8, citing Bangladesh's failure to meet international security requirements.

Earlier on December 19, 2015, Australia banned direct air cargo flights from Bangladesh, citing the same concern.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier, flies cargo directly to the UK four times a week in its passenger flights.

Each flight carries an average of 25 tonnes of cargo, mostly apparel, vegetables and agro-products, to the UK.

The UK is the third largest garment export destination for Bangladesh after Germany.

In 2014-15, the total export and import volumes of Bangladesh with the UK were $3.2 billion and $330.72 million respectively, according to DCCI. 

“This is pertinent to emphasise our concern as the export basket of Bangladesh includes garment products and frozen fish to large extent, among others items, which are likely to be hit the hardest by this ban,” according to the statement.  

The chamber urges the Bangladesh government to work jointly with the UK and Australia to improve the overall security requirements.

If the ban is not lifted soon, Bangladeshi exporters may have to export their products through Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand or Dubai, which will definitely increase the cost of doing business and lead time, added the association.

“For better security arrangements, the government should look into the matter now with serious concern. We must not fall back due to security excuses,” said the chamber.