Bangladesh garment exporters anticipate billion in losses due to significant fire at major airport.

A significant fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has severely impacted the cargo operations critical to the country’s garment export sector. Occurring during the peak export season, the blaze devastated large storage areas, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately billion in urgent air shipments.

The fire erupted in the airport’s cargo import area on Saturday afternoon, engulfing vast quantities of raw materials, apparel, and product samples pivotal for exporters. Faisal Samad, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), described the scene within the terminal as catastrophic. He noted the extensive damage, estimating that the entire import section lay in ruins.

Inamul Haq Khan, BGMEA’s senior vice-president, emphasized the critical role that the lost samples play in maintaining the country’s garment industry, valued at billion annually. He expressed concern that the destruction of these samples could hinder the ability of manufacturers to secure new buyers and expand their business opportunities, underscoring the potential long-term effects of this incident on Bangladesh’s economy and its thriving apparel sector.

As inquiries begin into the cause of the blaze, firefighters continued to battle remaining remnants of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage. The airport, a vital logistics hub, typically handles more than 600 metric tons of cargo each day, a number that surges during the October to December season, when approximately 200 to 250 factories rely on air transport for the timely delivery of their products.

Notably, the incident alludes to broader safety concerns, as it is the third major fire to be reported in Bangladesh within the week. The recent spate of incidents includes a fire at a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka that resulted in loss of life and injuries.

The government has pledged comprehensive investigations into these fires. Authorities are committed to a thorough inquiry and have cautioned that any evidence of sabotage or arson will be dealt with decisively. They urged the population to remain calm, assuring that no acts of criminality would derail public life or political stability.

Bangladesh stands as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, following China, a testament to its significant contribution to the global fashion market, employing around four million workers and generating more than 10% of the nation’s GDP. The implications of the recent fire are expected to ripple through the industry, likely leading to delays in shipments and further complicating adherence to international delivery schedules.

This situation highlights the resilience and determination of Bangladesh’s garment sector as it navigates these challenges while continuing to contribute positively to the country’s economic landscape.

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