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Published : 19 Oct 2025, 01:43 AM
Civil Aviation and Tourism Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has reacted sharply when asked whether the fire at Shahjalal International Airport’s import cargo complex was an act of sabotage or an accident.
“Is it right to ask such a question so quickly?” he said near the site around 8:30pm, several hours after the blaze broke out on Saturday afternoon.
Responding to another similar question, he said: “It is illogical to ask such a question at this stage.”
The advisor, who also holds the commerce portfolio, arrived at the airport to inspect the site after the devastating fire that erupted shortly after 2 pm.
Fire Service officials said 37 units were deployed to bring the flames under control, while members of the Civil Aviation Authority, Ansar, Army, Air Force and Navy also joined the firefighting efforts.
When asked about the cause of the blaze, Bashir cautioned against premature conclusions.
“This is a national institution,” he said. “Asking whether this is sabotage or an accident -- do you expect me to give a statement right now? Is that a proper question? At this moment, our top priority is to restore normal airport operations and assess the damage.”
The Chief Advisor’s Office issued a statement later in the evening, saying the government was “deeply aware” of the public concern caused by a series of recent major fires across the country.
The statement said: “We wish to assure all citizens that the security services are investigating each incident thoroughly and protecting lives and property with utmost vigilance.”
“Let us be clear: if these fires prove to be acts of sabotage, and they aim to sow panic and division, they’ll succeed only if we allow fear to overtake our reason and our resolve.”
The government said it would take “swift” and “resolute” action if any credible evidence of sabotage or arson is found.
“No act of criminality or provocation will be allowed to disrupt the public life and political process,” the statement said.
The investigation into the airport fire was under way late Saturday night, as authorities began assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore operations.
