DHAKA – Bangladesh’s export sector has suffered a devastating blow after a massive fire tore through the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), causing an estimated $1 billion in losses, according to the Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB).
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday, EAB President Mohammad Hatem said the blaze has dealt a serious setback to the country’s manufacturing and export industries, particularly affecting shipments of readymade garments (RMG), pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and agricultural products.
“The incident reflects a total failure in maintaining an effective fire detection and protection system in one of the most sensitive areas of our trade infrastructure,” Hatem remarked. “The losses are not limited to burnt goods there’s a chain reaction affecting production, exports, and future orders.”
He explained that while some damage was caused by the direct destruction of goods, a larger portion of the loss will result from the inability to produce and ship finished products using the raw materials destroyed in the fire.
At the same event, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Shawkat Aziz Russell described the fire as part of a “deep conspiracy” to undermine Bangladesh’s growing influence in international trade following its recent tariff deal with the United States. “Political and geopolitical players are working behind the scenes to destabilize Bangladesh’s manufacturing and export sectors,” he alleged.
The EAB has urged the government to tighten security at cargo terminals, ports, and other critical export facilities, warning that repeated incidents of this nature could damage buyer confidence and jeopardize trade relationships.
“This fire didn’t just burn goods it burned trust,” Hatem said. “If international buyers begin to question the reliability and safety of our export systems, the repercussions will be long-lasting.”
He emphasized the need for a transparent and thorough investigation to assess the full extent of the damage and identify those responsible for the apparent negligence. “We cannot afford to let such incidents go unaddressed. Accountability is essential if we are to restore confidence,” he added.
Exporters from multiple sectors depend on the HSIA cargo village for air shipment of critical goods such as spare parts, raw materials, medicines, fruits, and vegetables. Hatem pointed out that delays in these shipments could render perishable items worthless and disrupt pharmaceutical supply chains.
Recent fire incidents in areas such as Ashulia, Mirpur, Chittagong EPZ, and Incepta Pharmaceuticals have already raised alarm within the business community. “This latest fire in such an ultra-sensitive zone only deepens our concern,” Hatem warned.
He concluded with a stark message: “Bangladesh’s economic image is on the line. If foreign buyers start doubting our ability to protect their goods, the consequences could be far more damaging than the fire itself.”
