Dhaka Airport import cargo operations continue without scanner

Dhaka: The import cargo facility at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been operating without a functioning scanner for nearly 10 months, leaving Customs officials dependent on documentation checks and physical inspections to identify suspicious consignments.

The scanner was damaged in a fire at the airport’s Cargo Village Complex on October 18 last year and has not been restored or replaced. During a press conference held at Dhaka Customs House on September 3, Commissioner Mashiur Rahman said the process of procuring a new scanner is currently underway.

The lack of scanning equipment has drawn renewed attention after Customs officials recently recovered 16 kilograms of gold hidden inside fruit cartons at the import cargo facility. The seizure was made following intelligence information.

Customs sources said several other consignments from the same company had also arrived at the airport, raising concerns over whether illicit items could be concealed in similar shipments.

Officials currently examine bills of entry and conduct physical checks. However, industry representatives have raised concerns that thoroughly inspecting every item becomes difficult given the large volume of cargo handled at the facility.

Khairul Kabir Bhuiyan Mithu, Vice-President of the C&F Agents Association, said a scanner was essential for the cargo facility.

Customs Additional Commissioner Kamrul Islam, however, said every consignment is physically inspected and rejected suggestions that cargo leaves unchecked. He acknowledged that a scanner would make the process more efficient.