Shahjalal Airport Fire Extinguished After 27 Hours of Effort

Photo: Collected

The fire at the Cargo Village of Shahjalal International Airport was fully extinguished 27 hours after it erupted, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director of operations and maintenance of the Fire Service, said at a briefing, “Upon receiving news of the fire on Saturday, 37 units worked tirelessly. By 9:18pm Saturday, we contained the blaze, and at 4:55pm Sunday, it was officially declared fully extinguished.”

He explained that the cargo village is divided into multiple compartments, many of which are steel structures ranging from single to double floors, making the firefighting operation particularly challenging.

“Had active or passive fire detection systems been in place, this incident might have been avoided. Our investigation will determine the exact cause and timing of the fire,” Tajul Islam said.

Addressing the lingering smoke at the site, he added, “The steel structures absorbed significant heat, which is still being released. Combined with residual combustible materials, some smoke remains visible. There is no danger, and no active flames. Four units will stay on-site until the smoke clears, but there is no risk of a major accident.”

The fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the airport’s import cargo section. Coordinated efforts by 37 fire units, police, Ansar, RAB, APBn, the Air Force, and the Navy brought it under control by late evening.

Two separate investigation committees have been formed by the Internal Resources Division of the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism to probe the incident.

Authorities fear significant damage to various imported goods due to the blaze.