PM urges UK to lift embargo on cargo flights

UK keen to work on international security

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the British government to withdraw its temporary embargo on cargo flight operations from Dhaka on security grounds as visiting British minister Alok Sharma called on her, reports BSS. "Security lapses are global phenomenon . . . such lapses were detected in Heathrow Airport as well," Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as telling Sharma, the UK's minister for Asia and Pacific as he made a courtesy call on her at her Gonobhaban residence.
The premier, he said, also described how the embargo caused a setback for Bangladesh businesses and its business community in Britain.
"They discussed several  issues relating to mutual interests particularly on cooperation in the areas of airport security and infrastructure development," Karim said. Sharma, on the other hand, he said, told the premier that experts of the two countries would sit together to settle the issue of cargo flight resumption from Dhaka to UK.
The British government in March last year imposed restrictions on cargo flights from Dhaka to UK until further order on ground of security lapses. The premier, he said, raised the Rohingha issue and sought supports of the international community and particularly of British for its resolution and for the refugees' temporary relocation in a safe and hygienic environment.
Sheikh Hasina informed Sharma that as many as four lakh documented and undocumented Myanmar nationals were now living in Bangladesh in an inhumane condition prompting her government to plan for their relocation to a environmentally sound zone.
"International community should come forward to extend support to resolve the problem," the premier said.
She reiterated her government's steadfast "zero tolerance" stance against terrorism saying by now it proved its ability to effectively combat the militants particularly after the July 1, 2016 atack on a Dhaka caf,.
"The supplier of the arms and ammunition to the terrorists of Holy Artisan has already been arrested," she noted.
The press secretary said the premier and the British minister expressed profound satisfaction over excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, expecting the ties to be strengthened more in coming days.
UNB adds: The United Kingdom (UK) wants to further strengthen its vital partnership with Bangladesh, enhancing bilateral trade and working more closely together on international security
"Following my visit, in the year that marks the 45th anniversary of the UK's recognition of an independent Bangladesh, I want to further strengthen our vital partnership, enhancing bilateral trade and working more closely together on international security," said Alok Sharma before wrapping up his three-day visit yesterday night. He paid tribute to the strength of the trade, security and cultural links between the UK and Bangladesh. "I'm delighted to have visited Bangladesh for the first time and seen firsthand our unique and historic friendship. More than half a million British citizens are of Bangladeshi heritage and make a huge contribution to British life," said the UK minister.
Earlier, Sharma also held discussions with Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and some other ministers and political leaders, including Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khalida Zia.
The UK minister underlined the UK's commitment to Bangladesh's development, boosting trade with Bangladesh and increasing cooperation, including on security and counter terrorism. He also discussed the Commonwealth and UK-Bangladesh Parliamentary links with Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker and Chairperson Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Sharma also met representatives from civil society groups and minority and faith leaders, and spent time with Chevening and Commonwealth alumni.

PM urges UK to lift embargo on cargo flights

UK keen to work on international security

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the British government to withdraw its temporary embargo on cargo flight operations from Dhaka on security grounds as visiting British minister Alok Sharma called on her, reports BSS. Security lapses are global phenomenon . . . such lapses were detected in Heathrow Airport as well, Prime Ministers Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as telling Sharma, the UKs minister for Asia and Pacific as he made a courtesy call on her at her Gonobhaban residence. The premier, he said, also described how the embargo caused a setback for Bangladesh businesses and its business community in Britain. They discussed several issues relating to mutual interests particularly on cooperation in the areas of airport security and infrastructure development, Karim said. Sharma, on the other hand, he said, told the premier that experts of the two countries would sit together to settle the issue of cargo flight resumption from Dhaka to UK. The British government in March last year imposed restrictions on cargo flights from Dhaka to UK until further order on ground of security lapses. The premier, he said, raised the Rohingha issue and sought supports of the international community and particularly of British for its resolution and for the refugees temporary relocation in a safe and hygienic environment. Sheikh Hasina informed Sharma that as many as four lakh documented and undocumented Myanmar nationals were now living in Bangladesh in an inhumane condition prompting her government to plan for their relocation to a environmentally sound zone. International community should come forward to extend support to resolve the problem, the premier said. She reiterated her governments steadfast zero tolerance stance against terrorism saying by now it proved its ability to effectively combat the militants particularly after the July 1, 2016 atack on a Dhaka caf,. The supplier of the arms and ammunition to the terrorists of Holy Artisan has already been arrested, she noted. The press secretary said the premier and the British minister expressed profound satisfaction over excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, expecting the ties to be strengthened more in coming days. UNB adds: The United Kingdom (UK) wants to further strengthen its vital partnership with Bangladesh, enhancing bilateral trade and working more closely together on international security Following my visit, in the year that marks the 45th anniversary of the UKs recognition of an independent Bangladesh, I want to further strengthen our vital partnership, enhancing bilateral trade and working more closely together on international security, said Alok Sharma before wrapping up his three-day visit yesterday night. He paid tribute to the strength of the trade, security and cultural links between the UK and Bangladesh. Im delighted to have visited Bangladesh for the first time and seen firsthand our unique and historic friendship. More than half a million British citizens are of Bangladeshi heritage and make a huge contribution to British life, said the UK minister. Earlier, Sharma also held discussions with Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and some other ministers and political leaders, including Opposition Leader in Parliament Raushan Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khalida Zia. The UK minister underlined the UKs commitment to Bangladeshs development, boosting trade with Bangladesh and increasing cooperation, including on security and counter terrorism. He also discussed the Commonwealth and UK-Bangladesh Parliamentary links with Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker and Chairperson Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Sharma also met representatives from civil society groups and minority and faith leaders, and spent time with Chevening and Commonwealth alumni.