UK assures Bangladesh of lifting ban

The United Kingdom has assured Bangladesh of considering the withdrawal of its ban imposed on cargo on Dhaka-London direct flights.

The assurance came during a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and his British counterpart Philip Hammond last night.

The British foreign minister also hoped that the direct passenger flight operation between Dhaka and London would remain uninterrupted considering the steps taken for airport security improvement and historical relations between the two countries.

Minister Mahmood Ali 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.

Mahmood Ali briefed Hammond that both Bangladesh and the UK governments were working together for improving security situation at the airport.

The foreign minister also said discussions on signing a 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,” Mahmood Ali 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, added the press release.

The two ministers agreed to continue cooperation in this area in the coming days.

On March 8, the British government imposed a ban on direct cargo flights from Dhaka until further notice.