A catastrophic fire at Bangladesh’s primary international airport has left businesses reeling, with estimates suggesting losses could surpass $1 billion. The inferno, which ravaged the logistics section of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, destroyed a significant amount of goods, including clothing and raw materials.
The destruction of these materials, particularly essential samples for securing new buyers, could severely impact future business opportunities for the garment sector, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy. Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, highlighted the critical nature of the lost items.
The International Air Express Association of Bangladesh also weighed in, estimating the damages to be upwards of $1 billion, underscoring the widespread economic implications of the incident. Bangladesh, known as the world’s second-largest clothing exporter, supplies major global retailers, making disruptions to its logistics crucial.
The fire, which raged for 27 hours before being brought under control, led to the temporary suspension of flights and airport activities. While investigations into the cause are ongoing, the incident is the third major fire to strike Bangladesh in just one week. These recent events have fueled online speculation and conspiracy theories, though authorities are committed to a thorough investigation and decisive action if sabotage is found.
Historically, large fires in Bangladesh have often been attributed to inadequate infrastructure and lax safety enforcement, resulting in numerous fatalities over the years. The government has pledged swift action if evidence of arson or sabotage emerges from the airport fire investigation.
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