A major fire on October 18 at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Cargo Village has caused extensive damage to the import cargo shed, disrupting operations for the country’s garment industry.

The blaze rendered key storage facilities unusable, threatening timely access to imported raw materials essential for clothing production and export shipments. Exporters and trade associations have acted swiftly to mitigate potential losses and ensure continuity in operations.

Industry leaders describe the incident as a serious challenge for Bangladesh’s garment sector, which heavily relies on timely import of fabrics, accessories, and other raw materials to meet production deadlines. Any prolonged disruption could have had a cascading effect on the nation’s export earnings, given that the textile and garment sector accounts for a significant portion of foreign revenue.

In immediate response, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) announced plans to construct a temporary warehouse at Terminal-3 of the airport. This facility, often referred to as a "rub hall," will serve as an interim storage space for imported goods while the main Cargo Village is under repair.

Although Terminal-3 is not yet fully equipped for standard cargo operations, both associations have coordinated with suppliers to expedite the construction of the temporary facility. BGMEA has issued an urgent work order to ensure that the warehouse becomes operational in the shortest possible time, minimizing disruption to import and export activities.

Senior representatives from both associations, including BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, met on October 20 with Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Together, they finalized plans for the emergency warehouse, emphasizing swift action to protect imported materials and support exporters.

BGMEA and BKMEA have underscored that the temporary warehouse represents a critical intervention to maintain the smooth flow of raw materials into garment factories. Both associations are working closely with government authorities to ensure seamless logistics and safeguard the interests of exporters.

Officials stress that despite the unexpected setback, proactive measures such as this temporary storage solution will help the industry avoid significant losses. “Our goal is to ensure that no shipment is delayed and that Bangladesh’s garment export sector continues to operate without interruption,” said a BGMEA representative.

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the country’s cargo infrastructure but also demonstrates the ability of industry associations and government agencies to collaborate effectively under pressure. The swift response is expected to mitigate economic losses and maintain confidence among international buyers relying on Bangladesh’s textile supply chain.