The United Kingdom has assured Bangladesh of considering the withdrawal of its ban imposed on cargo on Dhaka-London direct flights, reports UNB. The assurance came during a telephonic conversation between Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his British counterpart Philip Hammond on Friday night. The British Foreign Minister also hoped that the direct passenger flight operation between Dhaka and London will remain uninterrupted considering the steps taken for airport security improvement and historical relations between the two countries. Bangladesh Foreign Minister received the call from Hammond around 9:30pm. Both the ministers talked about security measures at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a Foreign Ministry press release. Bangladesh Foreign Minister briefed his British counterpart that both Bangladesh and the UK governments are working together for improving security situation at the airport. Mahmood Ali also said discussions on signing deal with two companies – Red Line and Restrata – are at the final stage to implement a ‘development plan’ for improving security situation at the airport. “Deal with one of the companies will soon be signed,” Bangladesh Foreign Minister informed his British counterpart. Hammond welcomed Bangladesh’s development plan on airport security and assured Mahmood Ali of considering withdrawal of ban on cargo from Dhaka to London direct flights. The two ministers agreed to continue cooperation in this area in the coming days. As part of a set of interim measures, the British government on March 8 said cargo will not be allowed on direct flights from Dhaka to the UK until further notice. Recent security assessments of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport found that some international security requirements were not being met, the UK government said in a notice issued on March 8. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, earlier, said the government will be able to fulfill the security requirements by this month.
