Fire at Shahjalal cargo container before auction raises questions

Fire at Shahjalal cargo container before auction raises questions

A fire at the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has raised new questions, with preliminary investigations uncovering several irregularities. The container that caught fire was scheduled to be auctioned on Sunday, June 7, according to sources.

Airport sources said at least five people, including several employees of international courier service DHL, were being interrogated on Saturday, June 6.

The fire broke out around 11:30 pm on Friday in a DHL container in the courier operation area near Gate 9 of the airport. However, the area is not covered by CCTV cameras, complicating the investigation.

Preliminary findings showed a nearby electric pole and some loose wires, but no typical signs of a short circuit were found. Power supply was normal, raising suspicions about the source of the fire.

Cigarette butts were recovered from the area, though smoking is prohibited there. Investigators noted that a cigarette fire would typically spread slowly, but video footage shows the fire spread rapidly.

Footage also shows a DHL employee near the spot at the time, who appeared to be resting. After noticing the fire, he reportedly looked at it for some time before informing others. His behaviour is also being scrutinised.

Investigators said the cause of the fire cannot yet be confirmed, but they are examining whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.

The damaged container held various goods including rolls of fabric, paper products, rubber and plastic — items scheduled for auction on Sunday. The fire has sparked discussions in relevant circles.

This marks the second fire at the same courier storage area, raising questions about security measures. A major fire at the Cargo Village of the airport on October 18 last year had caused significant damage. Sources alleged that no visible improvements to fire safety have been made since then.

Airport Executive Director Group Captain S M Ragib Samad said an investigation is ongoing to determine the source and cause of the fire, including any possibility of sabotage.