Exporters call for improved safety standards at Dhaka airport cargo area

Exporters have called for enhanced safety measures at the cargo zone of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), holding lax safety standards responsible for Saturday’s devastating fire that destroyed a large volume of imported goods.

At a press conference held today (20 October) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, Mohammad Hatem, president of the Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB), said international clothing retailers and brands have already voiced concern over the incident.

Md Zakir Hossain, secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, reported that 32 pharmaceutical companies have so far incurred losses amounting to nearly Tk200 crore.

He noted that the total damage to the pharmaceutical sector is expected to rise significantly once the full assessment is completed.

Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, demanded stern action and exemplary punishment for those found responsible for the fire.

He added that such disasters severely harm Bangladesh’s reputation abroad, as exporters must honor their commitments to international partners.

Meanwhile, Md Shahriar, president of the Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said losses in the accessories sector have already exceeded Tk23 crore, with more companies still reporting damage.

Exporters estimate that total losses from the fire could reach as high as $1 billion once the full assessments are known.