Operations at Bangladesh’s primary international gateway, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, were completely halted on Saturday after a massive fire erupted within its cargo terminal. The inferno, which began around 2:30 p.m. local time, sent dense plumes of black smoke spiraling high into the sky, visible from many miles away across the capital city.
Responding to the urgent crisis, a formidable force of 36 firefighting units was quickly dispatched to the scene, as confirmed by fire service spokesman Talha Bin Jashim. Their efforts were further bolstered by crucial support from members of the country’s air force, navy, border guards, and army.
Wing Commander Jakaria Mahbub, an airport director, addressed the unfolding situation, stating, “We are now handling the emergency situation. I cannot say anything now about what has caused the fire.” The cause of the destructive blaze remains under investigation.
This incident adds to a disturbing trend of significant fires in Bangladesh, raising serious concerns among the populace regarding fire safety standards. Just last week, a tragic fire at a chemical storage facility in Dhaka’s Mirpur neighborhood quickly spread to an adjacent garment factory, claiming the lives of at least 16 individuals. Earlier, another factory fire in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s second-largest city, completely consumed a seven-story structure, though fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident.
As a result of the ongoing emergency, all incoming and outgoing flights at Dhaka International Airport have been suspended indefinitely. Assistant Director Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud confirmed that affected planes are being rerouted to other airports across Bangladesh.