Bangladesh’s Devastating Airport Fire: $1 Billion in Losses and Ongoing Investigation

Published on October 20, 2025

On October 19, 2025, a massive fire broke out in the logistics section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, devastating the country’s already fragile business environment. The fire, which took an exhausting 27 hours to extinguish, is feared to have caused more than $1 billion in losses, affecting the nation’s export industry, particularly in the garment sector. With clothes, raw materials, and other goods destroyed, business leaders are left grappling with the repercussions of this disaster, which may have long-lasting impacts on Bangladesh’s economy and global trade relationships.

The Fire’s Impact on Bangladesh’s Key Industry

Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of garments, just behind China, and the garment industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, generating around $40 billion annually. The garment sector accounts for over 10% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), with major global retailers such as H&M, Walmart, and Zara sourcing their products from Bangladesh’s textile factories.

The fire took place at one of the country’s busiest logistics hubs, where imported goods, including fabrics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, are stored. The destruction of goods, including essential samples meant for securing new buyers, has led to fears that affected businesses could miss out on potential deals, resulting in lost opportunities. Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told reporters, “The goods lost in this fire were essential for securing new buyers. This could have a significant impact on the future of many businesses.”

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though authorities have yet to confirm whether it was caused by natural factors, human error, or foul play. Initial media reports suggest that the fire occurred in the cargo village area of the airport, a zone that handles critical goods, especially during the pre-Christmas rush. The International Air Express Association of Bangladesh has estimated losses to be over $1 billion, with most of the destroyed goods belonging to the garment industry.

This is the third major fire in Bangladesh within a week. Just a few days before, on October 17, a devastating warehouse fire in Dhaka claimed 16 lives, with many others injured. Then, on October 19, another fire tore through a seven-story garment factory in Chittagong, raising further alarm across the nation.

Bangladesh’s fire safety record has long been criticized. Poor infrastructure, combined with weak enforcement of safety regulations, has contributed to repeated incidents, particularly in industrial areas. Experts have warned that, despite significant improvements over the years, the country is still vulnerable to similar tragedies. Thousands of lives have been lost in fires over the past few decades, and this latest disaster is just another example of the urgent need for stronger safety measures in workplaces and public spaces.

Theories and Speculation: Was This a Planned Attack?

In the aftermath of the fire, there has been increasing speculation and even conspiracy theories circulating online. Some have suggested that the series of fires, including the recent one at the airport and the deadly warehouse blaze earlier in the week, could be connected and “pre-planned”. These theories have sparked heated debates and political discussions, especially in a nation where past incidents have been politicized.

As the country reels from these incidents, there have been calls for a full and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether sabotage or arson played a role. The interim government of Bangladesh has promised that if any credible evidence of intentional wrongdoing is found, it will take “immediate and firm actions”. However, experts note that many such incidents in the past have remained uninvestigated, with no accountability for those responsible.

Political Fallout and the Public Response

The political climate in Bangladesh has been tense, and this latest fire has fueled even more division. There are fears that political parties might use the incident to attack their rivals, as has happened in previous disasters. Many people, particularly in the media, are questioning the lack of investigation and accountability following previous fires. The public’s skepticism stems from years of unresolved tragedies, where no one was held accountable, and political agendas often clouded the true causes.

Given the political sensitivity surrounding these fires, the Bangladesh government faces pressure from all sides to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. In the wake of the fire, it is likely that calls for improving fire safety laws and strengthening regulatory oversight will intensify.

The Global Impact on the Garment Sector

The implications of the fire are not only local but also global. With Bangladesh being a key supplier of garments to some of the largest global brands, the loss of goods and the disruption to the supply chain could have ripple effects around the world. Retailers like H&M, Walmart, and Inditex may face delays in production or potential shortages of certain items, especially as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Furthermore, Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable manufacturing hub could be at stake. The industry will need to recover quickly, but rebuilding efforts could take months, if not years, depending on the extent of the damage to the logistics infrastructure.

A Call for Immediate Action

As Bangladesh looks to recover from this disaster, the country must prioritize the reconstruction of the affected areas and take immediate action to improve fire safety standards. The government must invest in better infrastructure, enforce stronger safety measures, and hold any responsible parties accountable for negligence.

In addition to physical repairs, there will need to be a concerted effort to rebuild confidence in the Bangladesh garment sector, particularly in its international relationships. This can be done through transparency, commitment to quality, and consistent delivery on contracts, all of which will be crucial for regaining the trust of both consumers and business partners.

Conclusion

The fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is a tragic reminder of the inherent risks in Bangladesh’s garment industry, and the widespread impact it has on the global economy. While the investigation continues, the focus should be on rebuilding not just the physical infrastructure but also the public’s trust in the systems that are supposed to ensure safety and accountability. Until then, the country’s leaders, business owners, and international partners must work together to mitigate the economic and humanitarian consequences of this devastating event.