Bangladesh has witnessed a concerning increase in deliberate fires across residential buildings, commercial establishments, public transport, and industrial zones, including key national infrastructure. Over the past five and a half years, intentional arson attacks have resulted in at least 736 deaths and an estimated financial loss of Tk 14,000 crore, according to recent data and incidents reported across the country.

Major Fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

On October 18, 2025, a massive fire broke out in the cargo village area of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, causing unprecedented disruption and economic loss. Preliminary estimates suggest losses amounting to approximately Tk 12,000 crore, including several million dollars' worth of damage to the cargo storage zone.

All airport flight operations were either temporarily suspended or rerouted during the incident. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reported that losses in the export-oriented garment sector alone may exceed Tk 100 crore.

A high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the fire. Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that all possible motives, including sabotage, are under investigation.

Deadly Fire in Mirpur Garment Factory

Just four days earlier, on October 14, 2025, a fire in a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka’s Mirpur area claimed the lives of at least 16 people. The fire started on the third floor of a seven-story building and quickly spread due to the presence of highly flammable chemicals.

Initial investigations indicate that inadequate fire protection and emergency response systems contributed to the high death toll. Experts warn that such incidents highlight the broader vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s industrial safety practices, particularly in the garment sector.

Fire Service Statistics (2020–2024)

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, between 2020 and 2024, Bangladesh recorded:

• Over 121,000 fire incidents, among which 990 were confirmed as deliberate arson

• 720 fatalities linked to these 990 intentional fires

• Estimated losses of Tk 40.86 crore from those arson-related incidents

Year-wise Breakdown of Major Fire Losses

Motives Behind Arson: Revenge, Rivalry, and Politics

Investigations reveal that the 990 confirmed arson attacks were driven by motives such as personal revenge, commercial rivalry, land disputes, domestic conflicts, and political vendettas. Experts believe these fires are often premeditated and intended to cause maximum damage.

While investigation committees are often formed, most cases see little to no progress, and perpetrators frequently escape justice. This lack of accountability has led to a recurring cycle of destruction, with growing concern over national security.

A senior official from the Fire Service commented, “While most fires are accidental, the trend of deliberate arson is growing at an alarming rate. Many of these fires are clearly pre-planned.”

Concerns Over National Security and Sabotage

The fire at Shahjalal International Airport, a Key Point Installation (KPI), has sparked serious questions regarding possible sabotage. Experts warn that such incidents may be attempts to destabilize the country, especially with the national election approaching.

Former Director General of Fire Service, Brigadier General (Retd.) Ali Ahmed Khan, stated, “Such large-scale fires at strategic locations cannot be seen as random accidents. The airport fire exposes significant negligence in monitoring and emergency preparedness.”

Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Nayeem Md. Shahidullah, also a former DG, emphasized, “The frequency and pattern of these incidents indicate signs of organized sabotage. Authorities must investigate whether these are part of a larger conspiracy.”

Criminal Experts Weigh In

Professor Omar Faruk, a criminal analyst at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, noted, “Many recent fires are deliberate acts of sabotage driven by political and commercial conflicts. These may even be strategies to weaken state institutions.”

He added, “Arson is not merely property damage—it’s a deadly crime equivalent to manslaughter. Weak law enforcement is enabling these crimes to repeat. Unless the perpetrators are swiftly identified and punished, such incidents will continue.”

Urgent Need for Stronger Fire Safety and Investigations

Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Operations and Maintenance at the Fire Service, reported that the Shahjalal Airport fire began at the Customs House within the cargo village, where highly flammable materials were stored.

He stated, “Had there been proper detection and protection systems in place, the scale of the disaster could have been minimized. The investigation committee is working to identify the cause and those responsible.”

Conclusion

The alarming rise in deliberate fires, especially in strategic installations like airports and export factories, poses a grave threat to public safety, economic stability, and national security. Experts and officials alike are calling for urgent reforms in fire safety regulations, criminal justice, and preventive infrastructure. Without decisive action, the human and economic toll of such tragedies will only continue to rise.