Airport Cargo Fire a Major Blow to Garment Industry: BGMEA

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has termed the fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport a “major loss” for the country’s garment industry.

Following a visit to the site on Sunday afternoon, BGMEA Senior Vice-President Enamul Haque Khan Babul told reporters that the incident is “extremely unfortunate” and that the BGMEA board is deeply concerned.

“The fire has severely affected the country’s export trade, particularly the apparel sector,” he said in a written statement.

According to Babul, the cargo village stored high-value export products and urgent air shipments, including ready-to-export garments, expensive raw materials, and most crucially product samples that are vital for securing new business orders.

“The loss of these samples means losing potential future opportunities,” he added.

The BGMEA is currently assessing the extent of the damage. Members have been asked to submit detailed lists of the affected goods through a standardized form, and an online data collection portal has been launched to speed up the process.

“Nearly 200 to 250 factories ship goods by air every day, so the total loss is significant,” said Babul.

The BGMEA plans to hold an emergency coordination meeting with the airport authorities, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Customs, and other relevant agencies to address the crisis.

Calling for government support, Babul urged authorities to provide compensation and logistical assistance to affected entrepreneurs and to ensure swift arrangements for new shipments to maintain export continuity.

He also warned that with the dry season underway, fire risks are heightened, urging all factories and industry stakeholders to remain extra vigilant.