Written by The Banking Post
A devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has destroyed raw materials, export-ready garments, and crucial business samples—dealing a heavy blow to Bangladesh’s export-oriented apparel industry, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Following an inspection of the site on Sunday, BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan described the blaze as “deeply unfortunate” and said it has severely impacted the country’s export trade.
“High-value goods and urgent shipments are usually transported by air, and the fire has turned these critical items into ashes,” he said at a press briefing. “Among the destroyed items were ready-to-export apparel, valuable raw materials, and countless samples—key components for securing new business opportunities.”
The BGMEA is now assessing the extent of the losses. The association has issued letters to its members with a specific format to report lost goods, while an online data collection portal has been launched to expedite the process.
Describing the scene, Khan said the import section was completely burnt, calling it a “horrible situation.” He estimated that it may take 15 days to a month to make the section operational again.
The incident has raised concerns across the business community, as air shipments typically carry time-sensitive and high-value exports vital to sustaining Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel market.
