25 Ansar members injured in Dhaka airport fire

Ansar’s North Zone Commander Golam Tuhin says about 1,000 Ansar members were assisting in rescue and fire control operations at the airport

At least 25 members of the Ansar force have been injured in the fire that erupted at the import cargo complex of Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport.

The injured were taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Kurmitola General Hospital, said Ansar’s North Zone Commander Md Golam Maulah Tuhin.

Deputy Commissioner of Police for DMP’s Uttara Division said: “I have heard that around 10 people were injured. All were injured or fell ill while trying to rescue others. None of them are seriously injured.”

Workers said the fire broke out around 2:15pm on Saturday in the section of the import cargo complex where courier operations are carried out.

Thirty-six units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence were deployed to contain the blaze.

Members of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Navy also joined the firefighting efforts.

Golam Maulah Tuhin said the fire originated near Gate 8 of the airport, where imported chemicals, garment products, electronics and machinery are stored.

“The Ansar members initially noticed the fire and informed the authorities,” he said.

“They tried to control the fire despite the risks.”

Tuhin added that about 1,000 Ansar members stationed at the airport were assisting in rescue and fire control operations.

Khairul Alam Bhuiyan Mithu, vice president of the Dhaka Airport Customs Agents Association, said that while the Cargo Village normally remains closed on Fridays and Saturdays, the courier branch continues operations for about half a day.

The fire broke out around 2pm, shortly after the staff had left, he said.

“There were many workers, including Ansar, there,” Mithu said.

“After the fire broke out, the Ansar and others evacuated everyone. Then they were told that there were chemicals, including ammunition, in the warehouse, and there could be an explosion. Everyone moved away.”

Mithu alleged that when fire service vehicles arrived to douse the flames, they were unable to enter due to permit complications.

Three airline employees who were outside the building said the fire started in the courier section, prompting them to run out.

Following the incident, authorities temporarily suspended all flights at the country’s main airport.

More than a dozen flights were diverted to other airports after failing to land in Dhaka.