The government of Bangladesh has decided to continue customs and related services at airports even on weekends to address the ongoing cargo congestion. Commerce Minister announced the plan during a meeting at the ministry on Thursday, emphasizing that limited operations on Fridays and Saturdays have prevented a reduction in the backlog. He said the measure would remain in place until a permanent solution is established.

The meeting discussed the European Union’s concerns over non-tariff barriers, including the airport cargo handling crisis. The Commerce Minister stressed that airports are transit points, not storage facilities, and called for the establishment of a modern cargo village outside the airport with safe storage and specialized management for different types of goods. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam warned that the congestion is harming both businesses and Bangladesh’s international image, urging visible progress within seven days.

Officials and business representatives agreed that modernizing cargo management and ensuring faster clearance could enhance Bangladesh’s export competitiveness in global markets, particularly in the European Union.