Cargo village fire inflicts roughly Tk12,214 crore damage

A massive fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has turned hundreds of tons of imported and exported goods into ashes. The fire broke out yesterday around 2:30 pm near Gate No. 8 of the airport’s cargo village.

According to Talha Bin Jasim, an official from the Fire Service’s media cell, the exact extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

However, Kabir Ahmed, president of the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh, stated that the fire at the cargo village has caused losses estimated to exceed billions of dollars. Based on an exchange rate of Tk122.13 per dollar, the total loss could amount to approximately Tk 2,214 crore.

Last night, Kabir Ahmed told media that the entire operation — including cargo express services, warehouses, cargo aircraft, and airport infrastructure — has come to a standstill. This has not only affected businesses but also dealt a significant blow to the country’s overall trade system.

The cargo village primarily stores goods awaiting import and export clearance. Importers or their representatives release goods from here after customs clearance. Perishable items such as vegetables and fruits, as well as readymade garments, are usually dispatched within 24 to 48 hours. However, due to export space shortages or customs delays, many consignments are kept there for several days.

Khandaker Kamruzzaman Ibne Amin Sohail, Managing Director of RMK Group — an air cargo transportation company — said that countless importers have lost their goods in the fire. The extent of the damage will only be known once the fire is fully brought under control. The insurance claims process will also take time to begin.

Analysts have pointed out that the cargo village at Shahjalal International Airport is one of the country’s most vital hubs for imports and exports. It houses offices of the customs department, airlines, and various private companies. The fire is feared to have destroyed not only goods but also important documents.

According to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, a comprehensive safety assessment must be completed before resuming airport operations.

Those involved in the country’s trade sector fear that this fire will have long-term impacts on import-export activities and will create a severe crisis in export lead times.