A massive fire broke out on Saturday (October 18) at the Cargo Village area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. In response, the airport’s Executive Director, Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, issued a special audio message to the media, providing updates on the emergency response efforts.
In the message, he stated:
“Assalamu Alaikum. Our airport fire service team is working to control the fire. Fire units from the Air Force are also on-site, along with teams from the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Everyone is working together to bring the situation under control.”
Addressing journalists directly, he added:
“We’re handling an emergency right now. I request my media friends not to divert our attention by calling during this time. Please cooperate with us. We’re all trying to resolve the issue together.”
He further assured that media will receive updates in due time:
“You will get the information. Please give us the time and space to manage this emergency safely. Assalamu Alaikum.”
Flight Operations Suspended
Following the incident, all flight operations at the airport were temporarily suspended. According to airport spokesperson Masudul Hasan Masud, the fire started near the cargo section, and authorities from the fire service, Air Force, and airport operations are jointly working to contain it.
Initial Cause & Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire is believed to have originated from the Customs Courier Unit within the cargo complex, where various flammable materials — including chemicals — were stored. The blaze quickly spread to nearby warehouses, filling the area with dense smoke.
A total of 36 fire service units were deployed, along with personnel from the Navy and Air Force. As of the latest reports, at least seven individuals have been injured in the incident.
Investigations are ongoing, and airport authorities have promised regular updates as the situation develops.
