Exporters in Bangladesh have voiced deep concern following the devastating fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, warning of huge financial losses and reputational damage.
They said the blaze, which ravaged one of the country’s key economic infrastructures, also exposed serious security lapses in airport cargo management.
“The fire at one of the most vital economic infrastructures of the country is a wake-up call for us. We are deeply worried — and so are our international buyers,” said Mohammad Hatem, president of the Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB).
He made the remarks at a joint press briefing on Monday, organised by major industry bodies including BKMEA, BGMEA, BTMA, BPGMEA and associations from the leather and pharmaceutical sectors.
Losses could top $1 billion
While a full assessment is under way, Hatem, who also heads the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said initial estimates suggest the total loss could reach around $1 billion (Tk12,000 crore), including both direct damage from destroyed goods and indirect losses from halted exports dependent on the burnt raw materials.
“The incident will disrupt import-export activities for several days, potentially leading to a loss of market share, erosion of buyer confidence, and disruption in trade agreements,” he said.
EAB has urged members to report individual damages, promising a transparent investigation to determine the full extent of losses.
Pharma sector hit hard
Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) Secretary General Zakir Hossain said raw materials worth Tk200 crore from 32 companies were destroyed.
“The total impact could reach Tk3,000–4,000 crore, considering the time and cost needed to re-import materials,” he said, adding that narcotics-based items may take up to four months to re-approve.
He assured that domestic medicine supply would remain unaffected but criticised the closure of customs operations during holidays.
“Customs must be available 24/7 — even at a minimum level. We’re willing to pay extra if needed,” he said.
Agencies blamed
EAB chief Hatem held several government entities accountable, including the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB), Customs House and Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
“CAAB owns the Cargo Village, Customs oversees imported goods, and Biman acts as the handling agent — none can evade responsibility,” he said.
He criticised outdated manual systems and delays that led to overstocked, unsafe storage conditions.
“Sensitive items like chemicals and pharmaceuticals should have been stored separately in high-security warehouses,” Hatem added.
‘Foreign conspiracy’ alleged
BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Rasel alleged possible sabotage.
“Given Bangladesh’s growing prominence in global trade, we suspect a neighbouring country may be involved in this sabotage,” he said, without naming any names.
He criticised the lack of accountability, adding: “When a factory catches fire, the owner is immediately arrested. Yet in this sensitive zone, no one has been held responsible. It is very unfortunate.”
Six-point EAB demand
EAB has presented a six-point demand to prevent future disasters:
Quick settlement of insurance claims for affected goods.
A government compensation fund for uninsured losses.
Modernisation and expansion of the Cargo Village.
Dedicated temperature-controlled warehouses for pharmaceuticals.
Separate chemical storage facilities at a safe distance.
Full automation and digitalisation of warehouse management.
