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Published : 19 Oct 2025, 12:31 AM
A 15-minute gap has emerged between the civil aviation ministry and Fire Service accounts on when the fire began at the Cargo Village of Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
Clearing and forwarding (C and F) agents involved in import and export operations at the cargo complex have voiced frustration, saying the first Fire Service unit arrived long after the blaze had started.
They alleged that the first fire vehicle was delayed and even held up for some time at Gate No. 8 due to security clearance issues.
According to the Fire Service, the devastating fire at the airport, the worst in its history, was brought under control after seven hours at 9:18pm on Saturday.
The ministry’s media statement said the fire broke out at 2:15pm, while the Fire Service said they were informed at 2:30pm. Their first unit arrived at 2:50pm.
This means the first Fire Service vehicle arrived at least 35 minutes after the fire started. Questions remain unanswered about why it took so long for the Fire Service to reach such a sensitive location.
Imran Hossain, a C and F agent who was at the scene, claimed the fire broke out before 2pm.
Imran and others were standing near the vehicle parking lot by Gate No. 8, opposite the airport’s import cargo complex, visibly concerned. In the evening, they were heard discussing why the Fire Service took so long to arrive.
Imran, director of A-One Group, a C and F and logistics company, said: “The fire started from the courier warehouse. Around 25 to 30 courier services have separate cubicles there, which we call cages.
“The fire first broke out from the DHL courier section. When people tried to douse it, they were not allowed inside.
He added, “Couriers store expensive items, so maybe entry was restricted to prevent theft. Some tried to put out the fire themselves, while others were told to move away as there were explosives and chemicals inside.”
Md Sakib, an employee at DHL courier service’s customer care centre, said they had received no information or instructions about the fire or any damage.
The customer care centre had not been informed, he added.
Officials said the cargo complex remains largely inactive during weekends on Fridays and Saturdays, with only limited courier activities running for half the day. Cargo loading and unloading, however, continue around the clock.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, responsible for ground handling at the airport, had staff working in the area when the fire broke out. One of them said alarms sounded shortly after 2pm, prompting them to leave the warehouse.
Another worker said, “Some of our people went to the courier warehouse to douse the fire, but they were told explosives and ammunition might be inside, so we left.”
Requesting anonymity, a worker added: “There are cameras everywhere inside the cargo warehouse. Even a pin drop is visible. The footage will show when and how the fire started.”
Several witnesses said the blaze began at the Sky Capital Airlines warehouse before spreading to the DHL courier section and then to the “Dangerous Goods” storage area containing hazardous materials.
All accounts agreed that the fire had already spread widely before the Fire Service began its operation.
Khairul Alam Bhuiyan Mithu, vice-president of the Shahjalal Airport C and F Agents Association, said: “The fire started around 2pm. Many workers and Ansar personnel were present.
“But when people tried to help extinguish the flames, Ansar and others drove them away, saying there were explosives and chemicals inside that could cause an explosion.”
He also alleged, “The Fire Service’s vehicle waited a long time at Gate No 8. Due to permission issues, they couldn’t enter.”
Civil Aviation Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin denied the allegation that the Fire Service was initially barred from entering, saying: “You said that; we will investigate. However, there is no chance such a thing happened.”
Asked if the Fire Service units faced any obstruction entering, Fire Service Director General Brig Gen Muhammad Jahed Kamal said: “I have not heard of such a thing. But this is an international airport, so one has to be cautious while entering.”
He added, “We received the news at 2:30pm and moved immediately.”
WHAT MINISTRY SAYS
On Friday night, the civil aviation ministry issued a press note saying, “A fire occurred [on Saturday] at 2:15pm at the Cargo Village of Shahjalal International Airport. Through prompt and coordinated action by the Fire Service and airport authorities, the fire has been fully controlled. No casualties have been reported in the incident.”
