A massive fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Cargo Village has caused major damage to Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector, destroying about Tk 200 crore worth of raw materials from 45 top drug companies, the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) said on Tuesday.
BAPI Secretary General Dr. Md Zakir Hossain warned the total economic impact could reach Tk 4,000 crore, as the destroyed materials included ingredients for antibiotics, vaccines, diabetes and cancer drugs.
He added that re-importing these materials would take time, disrupting both production and exports. The industry, which exports medicines to over 160 countries, relies on air shipments for 90% of its raw materials.
BAPI urged the government to ensure quick investigation, compensation, and improved cargo handling systems to minimize further losses.
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