Government to use AI tech for faster cargo clearance at airports

The government has taken an initiative to use advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for faster cargo clearance at airports. Discussions have also been held on building temporary and permanent warehouses to increase cargo handling capacity, along with developing cold storage infrastructure for sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals.

The decisions and proposals were discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting on Monday at the Ministry of Commerce conference room at the Secretariat, chaired by Commerce Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir, with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam present as a guest.

The civil aviation minister said Bangladesh wants to lead, not follow, in technology use, adding that the use of advanced technology for faster cargo clearance would add a new dimension to the country's aviation sector.

She said Biman Bangladesh Airlines is being transformed into a safer, modern and efficient organisation, with priority given to resolving long-standing technical and infrastructure issues. She stressed the need for transparency, accountability and faster decision-making while simplifying formalities.

The commerce minister said infrastructure development and management are the responsibility of the concerned authorities, while customs' primary role is to ensure the legality, documentation and customs duties of import-export goods. He noted that warehouse construction and infrastructure management are not customs' core responsibilities, but once infrastructure is in place, customs will operate there.

The meeting discussed seven possible sites for a temporary warehouse and four for a permanent one, as well as the development of cold storage infrastructure and ground handling guidelines.

A proposal for an AI-based model to quickly notify importers of cargo arrivals and to easily identify and track imported goods at the airport was also raised.

The meeting was attended by the Commerce Secretary, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary, Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, and senior officials from the NBR, Bangladesh Bank and concerned ministries.