July 18, 2024 – Over 1,500 tonnes of export-import cargo is waiting at Dhaka Airport in Bangladesh, following a three-day strike by clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents protesting against the introduction of an express delivery system. The customs authority introduced a new rule on June 6 allowing courier services to assess cargo weighing below 30kg themselves, which helped importers receive cargo within two days – which also allowed for faster exports – but meant C&F agents lost business. Shipments handled by C&F agents are slower; importers must wait around a week for their cargo, resulting in factories being forced to delay production. The C&F agents temporarily suspended the strike on Tuesday, but warned they would strike again next Monday unless a memorandum of understanding facilitating their business is signed by Sunday. Boxes have piled up at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), exacerbated by a government holiday following the strike, meaning cargo was not delivered for four days. Stakeholders say it will take at least a week to clear the backlog.