Dhaka: A devastating fire erupted on Saturday at the import cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, sending shockwaves through Bangladesh’s vital garment export industry. The blaze destroyed large quantities of imported raw materials, finished garments ready for shipment, and crucial product samples, creating a severe disruption in supply chains that could ripple across global apparel markets.
The fire forced a temporary halt of cargo flights, severely affecting both domestic and international operations. Hazrat Shahjalal Airport’s cargo village, a central logistics hub handling over 600 metric tons of cargo daily, serves as a lifeline for over 200 garment factories that rely on timely air shipments to meet international deadlines. The interruption comes at a critical time, as the October–December peak export season is underway, and any delay threatens delivery commitments to global buyers.
According to Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the fire has destroyed high-value shipments and irreplaceable product samples. “These samples are essential for securing future orders and cultivating international business relationships. Their loss could severely impact Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global garment market,” Khan warned. Exporters are scrambling to assess the full scale of the damage, with many fearing long-term consequences for trade contracts.
This incident is the third major fire in Bangladesh within a week, highlighting ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards. Earlier, a fire at a Dhaka garment factory and adjoining chemical warehouse claimed at least 16 lives, while a separate blaze destroyed a seven-story garment factory building in Chittagong. These incidents underscore the vulnerability of the country’s industrial infrastructure and raise urgent questions about fire safety enforcement and regulatory oversight.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire at the airport cargo complex. The government, in coordination with industry leaders, is working to implement measures that prevent future disasters. Meanwhile, the BGMEA has set up an online portal for affected exporters to report losses, aiming to quantify the financial impact and organize support for the most severely affected businesses.
Bangladesh’s garment industry, employing around four million workers and contributing a substantial portion of the country’s GDP, faces an unprecedented challenge. Industry leaders are calling for urgent intervention and support to stabilize operations, restore confidence among buyers, and maintain Bangladesh’s position as a leading global apparel supplier.
As investigations continue, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing that any prolonged disruption in Bangladesh’s garment exports could affect global supply chains, delivery schedules, and international retail markets, potentially triggering a ripple effect across the fashion industry worldwide.