Fire at Airport Cargo Village: Big blow to trade operations
Fire at Airport Cargo Village: Big blow to trade operations
The shadow of a sudden disaster
When a sudden fire engulfed the Cargo Village at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, it was not just a fire, but a major shock to the entire world of commerce. The horrific fire broke out at around 2:30 pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the import section of the Cargo Village. The incident not only destroyed millions of dollars in assets, but also severely affected Bangladesh’s main export sector—the garment industry. The fire halted cargo operations for more than six hours, causing a serious disruption to the trade chain. In this article, we will discuss the details of the incident, its causes, effects, and possible future steps, so that lessons can be learned from this disaster.
Incident description: Terror hidden in the blazing flames
The Cargo Village, located at the heart of the airport, is one of Bangladesh’s busiest logistics hubs. More than 600 metric tons of dry cargo are handled here daily, and this volume doubles during the peak season from October to December. The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon near the import cargo building, where hazardous goods—such as chemicals, plastic goods and garment raw materials—are stored. According to witnesses, the fire likely started from a small spark, which spread quickly because the materials stored in this area are highly flammable.
The intensity of the fire was such that it quickly engulfed the entire Cargo Village. The airport sky was shrouded in thick smoke, and passenger flights had to be temporarily suspended. The fire was brought under control around 9 pm on Saturday with the help of 36 units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the Army, Navy and Air Force. However, a large part of the import terminal was completely destroyed. An airport authority official said, "Attempting to spray water during the fire made the situation worse, as it mixed with some of the chemicals and caused them to spread." It is a relief that no lives were lost in the incident, but the damage to property is immense.
Cause investigation: What is negligence, what is an accident?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports indicate that hazardous goods stored in the cargo village were to blame. According to Bangladesh Air Service officials, the fire originated in the "dangerous goods" storage area, which contained chemicals, plastics and other flammable materials. "There are usually products here that can catch fire with a small spark. Such incidents are inevitable if fire safety standards are not followed," an official said.
In addition, weak infrastructure is also a major factor. Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the Cargo Village's sprinkler system and fire alarms. Experts say that instead of spraying water, the situation should have been assessed first, as some chemicals burn more intensely in contact with water. The incident has exposed the lack of safety standards in Bangladesh's logistics sector, which could pose greater risks in the coming days.
Impact: When the wheels of commerce stop
The biggest casualty of the fire has been Bangladesh's garment export sector, the backbone of the country's economy. According to a Reuters report, the fire destroyed raw materials and finished goods of several major garment exporters, causing losses in the millions of dollars. According to Jago News, the total loss could exceed $1 billion, including direct and indirect impacts. The blow is even more severe during the peak season, as export demand doubles between October and December.
This has affected every level of the trade chain. The halt in imports has disrupted the supply of raw materials, which will affect factory production. In the case of exports, buyers may impose penalties if shipments are not made on time, which will damage Bangladesh's global trade reputation. "This is not just a fire, but a blow to investor confidence. When product safety cannot be ensured, traders turn to other countries," said Taskin Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kabir Ahmed Khan, president of the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh, called it a "national trade emergency." In addition, delays in passenger flights and operational disruptions at airports have also added to the economic damage.
The depth of the economic impact: a chain reaction
The impact of the fire is not just local, but has rippled through the global supply chain. Bangladesh's garment industry is the world's second-largest, exporting to the United States, the European Union and other countries. The destruction of 'emergency air shipments'—such as garments and textiles in immediate demand—has led buyers to seek alternative sources, risking losing long-term contracts. Cargo Village handles 600 metric tons of cargo per day, supporting a third of the country's economy, Al Jazeera reported.
Economically, this has created a chain reaction: workers' jobs are at risk when manufacturers close, which reduces employment rates. Even if airport operations return to normal, it could take weeks to restore cargo facilities, which would affect export targets. Experts estimate that the damage will take months to recover, and it could reduce Bangladesh's GDP growth by up to 0.5%. In addition, pressure will increase on insurance companies, and the government will have to allocate emergency funds.
The Path to Recovery: Lessons and Steps
Rapid action is essential to recover from this disaster. First, the government and airport authorities should prioritize rebuilding the Cargo Village. Modern fire safety systems, such as automated sprinklers and smoke detectors, should be installed. Second, commercial organizations should prepare alternative logistics routes—such as using seaports.
Third, regulators need to enact stricter rules for storing dangerous goods. International support could be sought, such as securing trade privileges by signing an FTA with the EU. Industry leaders say, “This incident is a warning—if we don’t learn the lesson now, there will be bigger losses in the future.” In the long term, digital tracking systems and insurance coverage need to be expanded so that traders can operate safely.
A ray of hope amidst the darkness
The fire at the Cargo Village at Dhaka Airport is a tragic memory, but it is a test of the resilience of Bangladesh's business community. The country can emerge stronger from this shock. With the concerted efforts of the government, businessmen and officials, it is possible to turn this disaster into a learning chapter. Let us hope that from the ashes of this fire, a safe and efficient trade system will emerge, making Bangladesh shine even brighter on the world stage. This incident reminds us all that development is incomplete without security.
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