Arson or Accident? Dhaka Airport Cargo Fire Sparks Major Safety Probe

The fire that broke out at the cargo section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka this afternoon is almost under control, nearly four hours after it started, but the full impact is still unfolding. The blaze, which began around 2:30 PM near Gate No. 8 of the cargo area, has forced a complete suspension of all flight operations from HSIA until at least 9:00 PM today, causing massive disruption for thousands of passengers.

The fire at Shahjalal Airport has resulted in changes to some flight schedules. Do not leave the airport premises. Regular flight operations will commence once the situation returns to normal, a spoke parson told Daily Dazzling Dawn.

Flight Operations Halted: Focus on Suspension

The primary immediate impact is the temporary closure of the entire airfield for safety protocols. Airport authorities confirmed the suspension of all landings and takeoffs, emphasizing that passenger safety is the top priority as the fire is fully doused and the affected cargo area is secured.

The closure led to an immediate crisis of displaced flights:

• Diversions: At least eight inbound domestic and international flights have been diverted to alternate airports, primarily Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, with some flights rerouted to international destinations like Kolkata.
• Grounding: Several outbound flights, including international services to Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai, are currently grounded on the taxiway, awaiting clearance for takeoff.
• Passenger Chaos: All outbound passengers are stuck at HSIA terminals, facing prolonged waits and uncertainty over revised schedules. Authorities have stated that normal operations will only resume once safety inspections are completed.

Was it an Accident or Arson?

The most pressing question for airport authorities and the public is whether the fire was a tragic accident or an intentional act of arson. Multiple reports confirm that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, along with local authorities, have initiated a formal inquiry, which is expected to address the possibility of a pre-planned event. Adding to the danger, local reports suggest that explosions of chemicals in cans were heard from the cargo village—where imported goods are stored—potentially fueling the blaze and raising further questions about safety protocols and material storage. The formation of investigation committees is a standard procedure in such large-scale incidents.

Massive Coordinated Response

The response effort was swift and multi-agency. A combined force of 36-37 firefighting units battled the intense blaze.

The firefighting efforts were a coordinated operation involving:

• Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB)
• Bangladesh Fire Service
• Bangladesh Navy
• Bangladesh Air Force (two fire units)
• Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) (two platoons joined the rescue operation).

Flight Lt Masud, spokesperson for the airport, confirmed that the fire was nearly contained around 5:00 PM. A spokesperson for HSIA also assured the public that "All our aircraft are confirmed safe," with no immediate reports of casualties or injuries.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Plagued by Operational Issues

The disruption at the country's main international gateway casts a shadow over the national aviation sector, particularly given the recent operational track record of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The government's flagship carrier has faced a string of technical and safety issues over the last year. Reports indicate that Biman flights have experienced numerous technical malfunctions, including mid-air faults, emergency landings, and ground handling mishaps, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and even route suspensions due to an acknowledged shortage of serviceable aircraft. These recurring operational failures have consistently raised serious concerns among passengers and aviation experts regarding the airline's maintenance standards and the overall stability of the national air travel infrastructure.

Broader Safety Concerns

This incident is the third major fire reported in Bangladesh this week, following a fatal chemical warehouse fire and a major blaze at a garment factory. Experts note that large fires are common in Bangladesh, often attributed to poor infrastructure, lax safety standards, and a lack of proper implementation and coordination among relevant organizations. The ongoing investigation at HSIA will therefore be critical in determining not only the immediate cause but also whether systemic safety failures contributed to the incident.