NEWS reports in an English daily on Monday said that Germany is the third country after Australia and the UK who has imposed ban on direct cargo flights from Bangladesh to any airport in Germany on security grounds. Germany will rescreen all air-cargo originated from Bangladesh at a third-country airport as Bangladesh law enforcement authorities and intelligence services are failing to provide them required, but routine information to keep the cargo flights secured. Since the Bangladesh authorities have repeatedly failed to deal on similar cargo security concern with two countries—Australia and UK, it has led Germany to take such a hard decision. It appears that Bangladeshi authority’s negligence as well as inability to bring a breakthrough in cargo-related dealings is visibly responsible for this mess. Notable, even the engagement of a British security firm to oversea airport cargo security has not changed the old scenario much in the positive way. Experts said that such laxity is sure to have far reaching business consequences and bring long-term disaster to the economy, especially for the apparel sectors. The problem is security arrangement in handling cargo. It is a disgrace for the government. The government is telling the outside world how incompetent we are as a nation. What is most worrying is the nonchalant attitude of the government that has remained undisturbed when one after another foreign nations are imposing restrictions upon cargo flights from Bangladeshi airports. Many wonder at the quiescent approach of Bangladesh authorities to resolve all other countries concern. In case of German’s restriction, the authorities need more vigorous attempts to convince Germany to review its decision by assuring them that we shall fulfill their requirements.The question remains if the government has the time or ability to do what is needed to be done. The government does not listen to its own people, but in dealing with foreign trade interest the government must learn to respond and deliver.Reports said that Germany’s national airline Lufthansa did not carry any cargo from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday. As a result, exporters had to take their goods back to the factories and warehouses. So, it is really damaging for the exporters and for that matter Bangladesh also, as Germany is the second largest export destination for Bangladesh. Bangladesh exports nearly $5 billion worth of goods to Germany a year. Of the total export, 95 percent are garment items. A significant quantity of goods from Bangladesh is carried to Germany by air. Nurturing this market now needs more sustained efforts and relentless persuasions but the ongoing situation is not conducive in anyway to trade expansion. The problem with those who guide the government is that they are busy with big project where there is big money and know how to enjoy the government’s favour.
