A massive fire broke out at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday (October 18) at around 2:30 PM. Just two days earlier, a garment factory building at the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) was completely gutted by another fire. Experts are now raising concerns that these back-to-back incidents at two key national installations may not be mere accidents, but rather acts of potential sabotage.
Unusually Large Fires: Not Normal
Former Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Brigadier General (Retd.) Ali Ahmed Khan, remarked that such frequent and large-scale fires are highly unusual. He pointed out that Shahjalal International Airport is a Key Point Installation (KPI), which should always be under strict surveillance. Despite having an in-house fire unit, the fire continued to rage for an extended period — something he considers abnormal. He sees this as a sign of serious negligence and emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause and the reason behind the delay in containing the fire.
Possible Signs of Sabotage
Another former DG of the Fire Service, Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Nayeem Md. Shahidullah, echoed similar concerns. He suggested that the repeated occurrence of such fires could indicate signs of sabotage. Despite having adequate firefighting systems in place, the failure to bring the fire under control in time is both unexpected and alarming. He warned that there might be attempts to destabilize the country’s economy through deliberate destruction.
Weak Management and Lack of Preparedness
Abu Nayeem further noted that initial response mechanisms — including fire alarms, water supply systems, and coordination — are all part of an institution’s crisis management framework. The recent incidents have exposed significant weaknesses in these areas. In sensitive locations like airports, there should be no lapses in preparedness. He stressed the importance of regular fire drills and joint exercises to ensure effective coordination during emergencies.
Call for Immediate and Transparent Investigation
Both former DGs have emphasized the urgent need for a neutral and technology-based investigation. Without identifying the exact causes — whether these are accidents or acts of sabotage — similar incidents may recur, leading to even greater damage in the future.
Military and Civil Forces Join Firefighting Efforts
According to Talha Bin Jasim, an official from the Fire Service’s media cell, 37 units from 13 fire stations responded to the blaze at the airport. The Bangladesh Air Force also deployed two units, while the Army, Navy, and approximately 1,000 Ansar members actively participated in firefighting and rescue operations. Additionally, two platoons from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were also engaged in the effort.
CEPZ Fire: Building Lacked Safety Clearance
On Thursday (October 16), a fire broke out at the warehouses of Adams Caps and Textile Ltd. and Jihong Medical Company in the Chittagong EPZ. It took nearly 17 and a half hours to bring the fire under control, which was finally achieved on Friday morning at 7:25 AM. Lt. Col. Md. Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operations & Maintenance) of the Fire Service, reported that the seven-story building had no fire safety certification. The lack of sufficient open space around the structure severely hampered the firefighting operation.
Conclusion:
The successive fires at two of the country’s most important installations are being viewed by experts as more than coincidental. They suspect potential sabotage, institutional negligence, and poor crisis management. These incidents pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s economy and international reputation. Therefore, a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation is imperative to uncover the truth and prevent future disasters.