A devastating fire at Bangladesh’s main international airport has caused estimated damages exceeding $1 billion, severely threatening the country’s crucial garment export industry during its peak season. The blaze, which raged for 27 hours, destroyed vital cargo including product samples essential for future business, raising concerns over long-term economic stability.
The inferno erupted on Saturday afternoon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, engulfing the cargo village—a key logistics hub that handles over 600 metric tons of dry cargo daily. Firefighters struggled for more than a day to control the flames, with local media reporting around 35 injuries among those responding. The facility stored a diverse range of goods, from apparel and raw materials to pharmaceuticals and chemicals, critical for both domestic supply chains and international exports.
Business leaders, including officials from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), fear losses could surpass $1 billion due to the destruction of “urgent air shipments.” These included not only finished products but also raw materials and samples, which are indispensable for securing new buyers and expanding orders. The loss of samples, in particular, could jeopardize future opportunities in an industry that relies heavily on pre-Christmas rush deliveries.
Bangladesh’s garment sector is a linchpin of its economy, generating approximately $47 billion annually and employing about four million workers. As the world’s second-largest apparel exporter after China, it supplies major global retailers like H&M, Walmart, and the Gap, accounting for over a tenth of the nation’s GDP. The fire’s timing during the October to December peak season, when export volumes typically double, amplifies its potential impact on the economy.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether it resulted from accident or sabotage. The interim government has pledged to take “immediate and firm actions” if credible evidence of arson emerges, emphasizing that no act of criminality will be tolerated. This incident is the third major fire in Bangladesh within a week, following a warehouse blaze that killed at least 16 people and another that destroyed a garment factory in Chittagong.
The series of fires has fueled conspiracy theories online, with some alleging the incidents are interconnected and pre-planned. Historically, such tragedies have been politicized, with parties accusing opponents of exploiting them for gain, and experts note that a pattern of uninvestigated accusations has eroded public trust. The government has called for calm while security services conduct thorough probes into all recent incidents.
In response, exporters are compiling lists of damaged goods to assess the full extent of losses, but the fire is expected to cause significant shipment delays and challenges in meeting international deadlines. The incident highlights broader issues of infrastructure and safety enforcement in densely populated Bangladesh, where fires are frequent and often attributed to poor regulations.
Looking ahead, the economic repercussions could extend beyond immediate losses, potentially straining relations with global buyers and underscoring the need for improved safety measures. Authorities are focused on restoring operations and preventing further disruptions, but the event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in one of Bangladesh’s most vital industries.