The Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh (EAB) has estimated losses of approximately Tk 12,000 crore due to the devastating fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
At a press conference held on Monday at a city hotel, EAB President Mohammad Hatem expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting serious lapses in the airport’s security and safety measures.
“The fire at the Cargo Village has left the business community deeply worried. Preliminary assessments indicate losses amounting to Tk 12,000 crore,” Hatem said.
He urged the authorities to expedite insurance claim settlements for the damaged goods. For uninsured cargo, he called for the establishment of a special government fund to provide compensation and assistance to affected exporters.
The association also noted the anxiety among foreign buyers following the incident, which could have long-term impacts on Bangladesh’s export reputation.
Mohammad Hatem, who also serves as the President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), announced a six-point demand to the government to address the aftermath of the fire and prevent future disasters.”
He acknowledged that the total loss remains difficult to quantify accurately but confirmed that 32 pharmaceutical companies alone suffered damages worth Tk 200 crore, a figure that may rise.
The EAB demanded immediate government action to assess damages, ensure fair compensation, and strengthen safety protocols at the airport’s cargo handling facilities.
The six-point demands include, prompt settlement of insurance claims for goods damaged in the fire, formation of a special government fund to support exporters whose cargo is uninsured, modernisation and expansion of the Cargo Village with enhanced security systems, construction of a separate, air-conditioned warehouse dedicated to pharmaceutical products, construction of a chemical warehouse located at a safe distance from other storage facilities, full automation of warehouse management using advanced technology for improved efficiency and safety.
The press conference was jointly organised by key sectoral bodies including BKMEA, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), the Bangladesh Garment Producers and Exporters Association (BGPMEA), and associations representing the leather, pharmaceutical, jewelry, frozen food, plastic, silk, handicraft, and other export-oriented industries.
On 18 October, a massive fire broke out at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The blaze was brought under control after seven and a half hours of coordinated efforts by the Fire Service, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
