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services on Fridays and Saturdays prevent the backlog from being reduced.

To address this, the minister called for the customs and related services to remain operational on holidays until a permanent infrastructure is in place.

Taking into account the demand growth over the next 10 years, separate management systems should be developed for hazardous, non-hazardous, fast-moving, and slow-moving cargo, he said.

“An aircraft arriving in the country and the experience of clearing goods at the airport are the first introduction of Bangladesh to foreign buyers and investors. That experience can in no way be negative,” he said.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the cargo backlog is not only causing losses to businesses but also damaging Bangladesh’s image internationally.

Besides, there is a risk of accidents at any time, she said, calling on relevant agencies to show visible progress in cargo handling within the next seven days.

She said the pressure could be reduced through the quick disposal of detained and confiscated goods and by making alternative storage arrangements.