A probe into the October 18 fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s import cargo complex has blamed unsafe storage, lack of fire protection systems, and years of regulatory neglect for the catastrophic blaze that caused losses estimated at more than $1 billion, destroying raw materials for garment exports, pharmaceutical ingredients, and telecom equipment in one of Bangladesh’s worst supply chain disasters.
The investigation by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, submitted to the Civil Aviation Ministry on November 3, found two likely causes: overheating of lithium-ion batteries stored without temperature control and an electrical short circuit. Arson was ruled out for lack of evidence.
The fire began around 2:15 p.m. inside the courier building leased by DHL and previously constructed by the International Air Express Association of Bangladesh. It spread rapidly through small iron-grilled compartments packed with imported electronics. Despite thick smoke, no sprinklers activated, and emergency protocols were breached when the airport control tower failed to promptly alert national firefighters.
Fire trucks struggled to reach the site because piles of uncleared cargo blocked access roads. The blaze was contained only after 37 firefighting units and army personnel joined the operation.
The report faulted the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh for failing to enforce fire safety standards and allowing hazardous storage in a high-security zone. It urged the installation of automatic detection and suppression systems in all cargo buildings and called for lease agreements to clearly define fire safety responsibilities among all parties.