Traders and importers affected by the devastating fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Import Cargo Complex have reported losses amounting to several crores of Taka.
Rabbi Hasan Babu, an electronics importer, estimated his losses to be between Tk 8 crore to 9 crore, as his newly arrived shipment was completely destroyed.
Expressing his frustration, Rabbi said his imported goods worth crores of taka were reduced to ashes in the blaze.
Abu Saleh, a cosmetics trader, reported losses of over Tk 4 crore, saying the fire wiped out his entire imported consignment.
Another businessman Mahbubul Hasan, an electronics trader, estimated his losses at over Tk 14 crore.
Business owners are now calling for a full investigation and immediate compensation measures from the authorities.
At least 32 people, including members of the Fire Service and Ansar, were injured in the fire that broke out at the Import Cargo Complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon.
Among the injured, seven were members of the Fire Service and 25 were Ansar members.
The injured Ansar members were taken to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Kurmitola General Hospital for treatment, confirmed Md Golam Maula Tuhin, Northern Zone Commander of Ansar.
He said that a massive fire broke out around 2:15pm near Gate 8 of the Import Cargo section at airport. The fire originated in a storage area containing imported goods from various companies, including chemicals, garment products, electronics, and machinery, officials said.
In addition to the Fire Service, personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Navy Airforce and Ansar members stationed at the airport took part in the joint firefighting operation to bring the blaze under control.
According to sources, in response to the massive fire at Dhaka airport, authorities have placed four hospitals on standby to handle potential casualties.
The hospitals include the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Kurmitola General Hospital, and Kuwait Friendship Hospital, according to official sources.
As a precaution, entry to the airport terminal has been restricted, with only ticketed passengers allowed inside.
Members of Ansar and the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn) stationed at the gates confirmed to media that they had received instructions to enforce the restriction.
Meanwhile, passengers at the airport are growing anxious and frustrated, citing a lack of clear communication regarding their flights.
Several travellers scheduled to fly abroad on Saturday night said they had contacted their airlines and were advised to come to the airport but were not given any specific departure times.
“They told us to come, but no one can confirm when the flight will leave,” said one visibly distressed passenger.
The uncertainty has added to the overall chaos, as airport authorities and emergency services continue efforts to control the situation.
Meanwhile, the fire was first reported around 2:15pm. Fire Service Media Cell officer Talha Bin Jasim said a total of 37 firefighting units are currently engaged in battling the blaze. In an effort to control the fire in hard-to-reach zones, the Fire Service has deployed its LUF 60 robotic system, which is designed for high-risk firefighting operations.
Military firefighting equipment has also been activated on-site as part of a coordinated response.
Meanwhile, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has arrived at the scene to assess the situation firsthand.
