A massive blaze that tore through a cargo terminal at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has wiped out millions of dollars’ worth of garments and raw materials, dealing a severe blow to Bangladesh’s export industry at the height of its shipping season.
The fire, which erupted in the airport’s cargo import complex on Saturday afternoon, quickly engulfed storage areas stacked with apparel, textiles, and product samples prepared for international buyers.
“It’s heartbreaking. The entire import section has been turned into ashes,” said Faisal Samad, a director at the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). He estimated that the losses could climb to as much as $1 billion once assessments are complete.
By Sunday morning, smoke was still drifting from the ruins as firefighters and airport authorities continued to inspect the site.
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Among the goods destroyed were urgent air consignments — including finished garments, fabrics, and prototypes — that were awaiting shipment, said BGMEA senior vice president Inamul Haq Khan.
He warned that the loss of samples could have long-term repercussions for the country’s $47 billion garment industry. “These samples are crucial for attracting new clients and securing repeat orders. Losing them means our manufacturers risk losing future business,” Khan said.
The devastated cargo village serves as one of Bangladesh’s busiest logistics centers, handling more than 600 metric tons of freight daily, a volume that typically doubles between October and December when export demand peaks.
“Every day, about 200 to 250 factories rely on air shipments through this terminal,” Khan added. “Given that scale, the financial hit is enormous.”
Authorities have yet to determine what caused the fire, though an official investigation is underway.