Courtesy meeting of British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke with the Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism: Emphasis on withdrawal of high-risk cargo status

National

Staff Reporter

Published: Tuesday, 15 September 2026

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has paid a courtesy call on Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat. During the meeting, discussions were held on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, modernization of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and withdrawal of high-risk cargo and mail status.

The meeting was held at 10 am today at the Minister's own office.

During the meeting, the process of purchasing Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines was also discussed. The Minister said that there is currently a shortage of aircraft in Biman's fleet. However, transparency and accountability will be ensured in the procurement process. He said aircraft will be purchased based on the recommendations of the high-level negotiation committee.

Regarding the high-risk cargo and mail status, the Minister said that since the European Union included Bangladesh in the high-risk cargo and mail list in 2017, time and cost for cargo handling have increased. The current government has taken initiatives to withdraw this status. For this, initiatives have been taken to install explosive detection systems at airports as required.

The Minister further said that in a recent audit, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Sylhet Osmani International Airport received satisfactory evaluations. Therefore, he expressed hope that the European Union would take initiatives to withdraw the high-risk cargo and mail status.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said that UK investors are interested in the development of Bangladesh's hospitality sector. Besides, the United Kingdom is ready to cooperate with the Bangladesh government's initiative to establish an aviation hub.

At that time, discussions were also held on Menzies Aviation's interest in working with Biman Bangladesh Airlines in the ground handling operations of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.