Bangladesh has called for urgent action to expand airport cargo-handling capacity and resolve warehouse bottlenecks, as the country seeks to reduce trade costs and improve the efficiency of its international supply chains. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said faster infrastructure development is essential to support exports and strengthen trade, particularly with the European Union.
The government is focusing on Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, where limited cargo-handling and storage capacity has contributed to congestion and delays. Officials have agreed to accelerate the construction of both temporary and permanent warehouses rather than allow administrative procedures to slow implementation.
Authorities have identified seven potential sites for a temporary warehouse and four locations for a permanent facility near the airport. The immediate objective is to make additional facilities operational as quickly as possible, with Customs expected to conduct clearance operations once the required infrastructure is available.
The government is also considering improvements to cold-storage facilities, ground handling and cargo processing for pharmaceutical shipments. An AI-based system to help identify and retrieve imported cargo is among the technology solutions being discussed to improve operational efficiency.
Modernising airport cargo infrastructure is particularly important for Bangladesh’s export sector. The government has identified poor logistics services and limited cargo-village capacity as obstacles to reducing the cost of doing business and improving international competitiveness.
Bangladesh has also been exploring the development of air cargo operator stations and off-airport cargo facilities. Such facilities could provide additional space for cargo clearance, storage and inspection while reducing pressure on airport premises.
The latest initiative is expected to support faster cargo clearance and reduce delays for exporters and importers. For Bangladesh’s important ready-made garment and other time-sensitive export sectors, improved air cargo infrastructure could help lower logistics costs and strengthen direct connectivity with major international markets.
The government has proposed stronger coordination among the Commerce Ministry, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Customs, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other agencies to speed up implementation.
With Bangladesh seeking to expand trade and improve access to global markets, faster investment in airport cargo infrastructure is emerging as a key priority for strengthening the country’s overall logistics network.