Written by The Banking Post
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has called for urgent and effective fire safety measures across all airports and ports in Bangladesh, following the recent fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
Expressing deep concern, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said a high-powered investigation team should be formed immediately to identify the cause of the incident and make its findings public.
“Ports are the lifeline of our trade and economy. It is crucial to strengthen fire safety and emergency response systems, especially in these key facilities,” he said.
The DCCI chief noted that HSIA serves as a major hub for import and export operations, in addition to passenger traffic. He warned that such incidents could undermine business confidence and disrupt trade activities.
As cargo handling remained suspended over the weekend (Friday and Saturday), industry stakeholders fear the damage to goods could be substantial.
Under these circumstances, Taskeen Ahmed urged authorities to assess losses quickly and ensure timely compensation for affected businesses. He also suggested keeping cargo operations open during weekends to prevent trade disruptions in the future.
The DCCI president further called for proper medical care for victims of the fire and wished them a speedy recovery, reiterating the need for enhanced fire safety and preparedness at all levels of the country’s ports and airports.
