British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat on September 15, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ aircraft procurement and the withdrawal of the European Union’s High Risk Cargo & Mail (HRCM) status.

The meeting was held at the minister’s office at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka at 10 am.

During the meeting, Millat said Biman currently faces an aircraft shortage and that the government is taking steps to add aircraft to the national flag carrier’s fleet on an urgent basis.

He said any aircraft purchase would be carried out with transparency and accountability, adding that the government would make its procurement decision based on recommendations from the High Level Negotiation Committee.

The minister also urged the European Union to take steps to withdraw the HRCM status imposed on Bangladesh in 2017. The designation has increased both the time and cost involved in cargo handling, he said.

According to the minister, the government has taken initiatives to install Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) at airports according to requirements. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Sylhet Osmani International Airport also received satisfactory ratings in a recently completed audit.

Millat said these developments should support the withdrawal of the HRCM status.

Cook said British investors are interested in the development of Bangladesh’s hospitality sector and that the UK is ready to support the government’s efforts to establish Bangladesh as an aviation hub.

The meeting also discussed Menzies Aviation’s interest in working with Biman on ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.