Export cargo screening capacity at Bangladesh airports has been further expanded. The approval of Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) system has been reinstated in the screening of UK-bound export cargo from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in a series of initiatives by the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (BABICHAK). Simultaneously, cargo screening capacity has increased significantly with the commissioning of the second Explosive Detection System (EDS) at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport.
Babychak said, as a result of this progress, Bangladesh’s export cargo security system has become more consistent with international standards. In particular, the security vetting process for goods bound for the UK and EU will be stronger, faster and more reliable. It is expected to save exporters time and cost as well as increase confidence in international trade.
It is reported that in 2017, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport obtained Third Country EU Aviation Security Validated Regulated Agent (RA3). Under this four methods of export cargo screening – EDS, X-ray, ETD and EDD – were being conducted. However, in 2021, the UK Department of Transport temporarily suspended the approval of the EDD system for direct UK-bound cargo.
Later, diplomatic and technical efforts by Babychock, coordination with international experts and regular communication made it possible to reinstate the EDD approval. As a result, full use of EDS, X-ray, ETD as well as EDD has been confirmed at Shahjalal Airport.
Stakeholders say, through this, the export cargo screening process will be faster and more effective. Besides, new airlines will gain the ability to transport cargo directly to European countries by achieving ACC3 validation.
On the other hand, Osmani International Airport started direct export cargo operations to the European Union and the United Kingdom by achieving RA3 validation in 2021. Regular cargo operations resumed there from April 2025 after a period of suspension.
Screening activities were already underway at Sylhet airport. The screening capacity of the airport has been further enhanced with the commissioning of the second EDS recently. This will reduce time in cargo processing, ease handling of excess pressure and strengthen security as per international standards.
Babychak believes that this initiative will create new opportunities for large-scale direct export cargo handling from Sylhet, which will play an important role in expanding the country’s international trade.
