DHAKA, Bangladesh— A catastrophic inferno that raged through the main cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh’s economy, with industry experts now warning that the total cost of the disaster could exceed $1 billion. The massive blaze, which took a staggering 27 hours to fully extinguish, decimated a critical logistics hub, destroying millions of dollars’ worth of exports just as the country enters its peak shipment season.
Cargo Village Gutted: A Blow to the Garment Industry
The fire, which erupted on Saturday afternoon, tore through the airport’s cargo import and export sections, reducing the facility to ashes. The affected area is the primary air freight hub for Bangladesh, a nation heavily reliant on its garment sector, which generates approximately $40 billion annually and is the world’s second-largest apparel exporter.
The financial damage is two-fold, according to leading industry associations:
- Direct Losses: Finished garments, high-value imported raw materials, pharmaceuticals, and crucial product samples were all incinerated.
- Indirect Losses: The destruction of product samples is a particularly devastating blow, as these are essential for securing new international buyers and expanding future orders. “Losing them could seriously impact our future prospects,” warned Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The estimated $1 billion loss, shared by the BGMEA and other trade bodies, accounts for the direct value of the burnt goods as well as the immediate and long-term disruption to a supply chain that handles hundreds of tons of dry cargo daily.
Government Vows Investigation Amid Sabotage Fears
The crisis comes as the third major fire incident in Bangladesh in a single week, adding a layer of political and social concern to the tragedy. Following a deadly fire at a garment factory and another at a seven-story clothing factory days earlier, public speculation about the causes of the blaze has intensified.
The interim government has acknowledged these concerns, assuring the public that the security services are investigating all incidents thoroughly. Authorities have established a seven-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the airport fire, with an official statement warning that “any credible evidence of sabotage or arson will be met with a swift and resolute response.”
Although flight operations at HSIA were temporarily suspended, they resumed later on Saturday evening. However, the operational capacity of the critical cargo complex remains severely compromised. As smoke continues to rise from the charred remains of the facility, business leaders are scrambling to assess the final count, fearing major shipment delays and an inability to meet strict international delivery deadlines just weeks before the crucial Western holiday season.