Dhaka airport fire: All allegations to be investigated, says aviation adviser

Commerce and Civil Aviation Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said the government is investigating every aspect of the fire that gutted the cargo village at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, including any possible culpability.

Briefing reporters at the site today, he said a full probe will "catalogue the sequence of events" and consult intelligence and investigation agencies.

The adviser stressed that the airport is a key point installation with its own fire control system.

"Within 30 seconds of the fire being reported, our own firefighting team was deployed," he said. A total of 37 units eventually joined the effort, with WASA water brought in to contain the blaze.

Responding to complaints from clearing and forwarding agents that the Fire Service was late or ineffective, he said every allegation would be taken seriously.

An inter-ministerial meeting has been called for 3:30pm today to review intelligence inputs, assess damages, and decide on next steps.

"We are now trying to determine both the economic value and physical weight of the damage, and to identify the affected sectors," he said.

The adviser confirmed that around 21 flights were diverted or cancelled during the disruption. To ease passenger suffering, the government has waived all fees and charges for non-scheduled or extra flights over the next three days.

Bashir Uddin said food, accommodation, and other services were arranged for stranded passengers, though some backlogs may remain.

Cargo operations resumed last night, with the National Board of Revenue and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association pledging full cooperation to ensure uninterrupted supply.

The adviser said insurance coverage for affected businesses and the airport will also be assessed. "Our sincerity and effort were never lacking," he said, offering a personal apology for the inconvenience caused and pledging transparency as the investigation continues.