Dhaka, Bangladesh — All flights at Bangladesh’s largest airport, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital city of Dhaka, were grounded on Saturday after a significant fire erupted in its cargo terminal. The intense blaze sent thick, black smoke billowing miles into the sky, creating a scene of widespread concern.
This incident marks the third major fire to strike Bangladesh within just five days. Earlier in the week, a devastating fire on Tuesday claimed at least 16 lives when flames, originating from a chemical storage facility, spread to an adjacent garment factory in a densely populated area of Dhaka.
Responding to the airport emergency, a large contingent of approximately 36 firefighting units was swiftly deployed. They were joined by crucial support from members of the country’s air force, navy, border guards, and army, all working in a coordinated effort to control the fire.
As evening approached, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who leads Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation and Tourism ministry, spoke to reporters at the scene. “The fire is still active,” he confirmed, “but it is now under our control. All flights are currently suspended, and we are working diligently to resume operations as early as possible, potentially by tonight.”
During the flight suspension, planes scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were redirected to other airports across Bangladesh.
This series of recent fires has once again brought to the forefront serious concerns regarding safety measures throughout the country. Bangladesh has a history of mass casualty events often linked to inadequate infrastructure and a glaring absence of proper safety precautions.
Even four days after the deadly fire at the chemical storage facility in Dhaka’s residential neighborhood, firefighters and security forces maintained a presence. Passers-by, shielding their noses against the potent stench of smoke and chemicals, paused to view the charred devastation. Reports indicated that thick smoke continued to emanate from the site for three days until the fire was fully extinguished on Friday.
Adding to the recent incidents, another factory fire in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s second-largest city, resulted in the complete destruction of a seven-story building. Thankfully, no casualties were reported from this particular blaze.