Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has called for rapid construction of infrastructure to resolve longstanding cargo-handling problems at the country’s airports. At a review meeting at the Commerce Ministry on August 17, 2026, he urged authorities to move ahead with temporary and permanent warehouse projects on an emergency basis rather than allowing lengthy administrative processes to delay them. The meeting reviewed cargo capacity and warehouse construction in support of expanded Bangladesh-European Union trade and investment.

Muktadir said airport infrastructure construction and management are the responsibility of relevant authorities, while customs is responsible for ensuring the legality of imports and exports, declarations, documentation and duty-related matters. Customs would operate once the necessary facilities are built, he said. He added that modern airport cargo management is important for expanding trade with the European Union and said the Commerce Ministry was ready to provide necessary support.

Participants discussed seven potential sites for a temporary warehouse near the airport and four potential sites for a permanent facility. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam stressed faster implementation while preserving transparency and accountability. Muktadir proposed an inter-ministerial coordination structure that could include a Commerce Ministry representative to speed decisions and implementation.