Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged British authorities to relax the temporary embargo on direct air cargo shipment from Dhaka to London till March 31.
UK's Department for Transport in a post on Tuesday said a recent security assessment found that Dhaka airport was yet to meet some international security requirements.
“As part of a set of interim measures, cargo will not be allowed on direct flights from Dhaka to the UK until further notice,” it read.
BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman made the call in a press conference held at BGMEA Building on Thursday afternoon.
He also called upon the government to hold talks with the British government and inform them about Bangladesh's measures to ensure security at airports.
The BGMEA boss also expressed concern that the embargo would cast negative impact on readymade garment export to UK.
Also Read: London asks Dhaka to improve airport security
Bangladesh's RMG export to UK was $2 billion in 2015-16 fiscal year which was 12.42% of the total RMG exports. In 2014-15 fiscal year, the export was $3 billion which was 11.39% of the total RMG exports.
The British authorities also informed the Bangladesh government that unless there is visible improvement in security situation by March 31, the direct flight of Biman between Dhaka and London will be banned.
British Prime Minister David Cameron in a letter to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday stated that an improvement plan must be developed and delivered by March 31 to avoid further measure like banning of direct air cargo shipment from Dhaka to London.