What caused the massive fire at Dhaka airport?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A massive fire at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has disrupted flight operations and raised safety concerns. The extensive emergency response involves multiple firefighting units and military assistance. This incident highlights ongoing issues with fire safety in Bangladesh, following recent deadly fires in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Massive fire disrupted operations at Dhaka airport.
- Emergency response involved 36 firefighting units.
- Multiple flights were diverted due to safety concerns.
- Investigation ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
- Highlights the need for improved fire safety measures in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, Oct 18 (NationPress) A significant fire broke out in the cargo area of Bangladesh’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday afternoon, leading to a complete suspension of all flight operations and triggering a comprehensive emergency response, according to local media reports.
As stated by Talha Bin Zasim, an officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Media Cell, the fire ignited in the cargo village near gate No. 8 of the airport. Currently, 36 firefighting units are actively engaged in efforts to control the flames.
“All our aircraft are confirmed safe. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops,” a spokesperson for the airport informed 'The Daily Star'.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, reported that the Bangladesh Civil Aviation, along with the Bangladesh Fire Service, Bangladesh Navy, and two fire units from the Bangladesh Air Force, are collaborating to extinguish the fire in the cargo segment of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Additionally, two platoons from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have joined the firefighting efforts.
Sources at Dhaka airport revealed that at least five flights scheduled to arrive in Dhaka have been redirected to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet.
In an interview with the prominent Bangladeshi daily The Business Standard, Nasir Uddin, director of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, stated, "We are currently assessing the extent of cargo damage. Initial reports indicate that the area housing international courier service goods has suffered significant damage, including a chemical warehouse that reportedly caught fire as well.”
This incident follows several major fires in Dhaka and Chattogram, raising serious concerns about Bangladesh’s safety standards and emergency preparedness.
Earlier this week, at least 16 individuals lost their lives, and many others were injured when a fire broke out in a building containing a chemical godown and a garment factory in the Shialbari area of Dhaka, according to local media.
In addition, a recent fire in a factory located in Chattogram’s Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) took 17 hours and required the efforts of 25 firefighting units before it was extinguished.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that incidents like these underline the pressing need for stringent safety regulations and emergency preparedness in Bangladesh. The safety of our citizens and infrastructure must take precedence, and we must learn from these incidents to prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Dhaka airport?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it erupted in the cargo section of the airport.
How many flights were affected by the fire?
At least five flights scheduled to arrive at Dhaka were diverted to other airports.
What measures are being taken to control the fire?
A total of 36 firefighting units from various agencies, including the military, are actively working to extinguish the fire.
Have there been any casualties reported?
There have been no reports of casualties so far, and all aircraft are confirmed safe.
What are the safety concerns raised by this incident?
This incident has raised serious concerns regarding fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in Bangladesh.
