Flights from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have been significantly disrupted following a major fire at the cargo terminal. According to officials, operations at the airport were suspended as firefighting efforts intensified on Saturday. Talha Bin Zasim, an officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Media Cell, confirmed that thirty-six firefighting units are currently engaged in efforts to extinguish the flames.
Air traffic has faced considerable delays and diversions, affecting both domestic and international flights. An IndiGo flight originating from Delhi was redirected to Kolkata, while an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah was rerouted to Chittagong. In another instance, a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong was seen circling the airport, unable to land due to the ongoing emergency.
Masudul Hasan, an airport official, reassured the public that all aircraft are safe and that no immediate cause for the fire has been identified. The local army, navy, and air force have joined the firefighting teams on the ground to help control the situation.
Recent Fire Incidents in Bangladesh
The incident at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport marks the third significant fire reported in Bangladesh within just one week. Earlier, a devastating fire at a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse resulted in the tragic deaths of at least sixteen people, with several others injured. Furthermore, another fire on Thursday destroyed a garment factory in an export processing zone located in Chittagong.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging the public to remain patient and vigilant. The government and relevant agencies will continue to assess the damage and ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent future incidents.
This series of fires highlights ongoing concerns regarding fire safety standards in Bangladesh, particularly in industrial areas. The latest incident at the airport serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures to protect lives and property across the country.
Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.
