We’ll reopen airport as soon as possible: Adviser

Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said that authorities are working to resume operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as soon as possible following the fire at the airport’s Cargo Village.

“We’ll reopen the airport as quickly as we can,” he said during his visit to the site on Saturday night, October 18. “At the moment, all flight operations are suspended, but we’re trying our best to resume flights tonight.”

“The fire is now under control,” the adviser said. “Our immediate goal is to restart operations swiftly. We’re currently holding discussions to determine the best way to keep airport activities running and will make procedural decisions accordingly.”

He added, “At this moment, our priority is to overcome the crisis. Through the media, we seek prayers from the people of the nation so that Almighty Allah makes our task easier.”

Sheikh Bashir Uddin further stated that the incident occurred only in the import cargo section, while the export section remained safe. “Once the investigation begins, we’ll take all information into account. Our urgent task is to restore normal airport operations, assess the damage, and form a high-level committee to conduct an inquiry,” he said.

He also mentioned that several firefighters were injured while extinguishing the blaze and are receiving treatment. “Although the fire is largely under control, there are still some active spots, and I am personally monitoring the situation,” he added.

The Fire Service received the report of the fire at 2:34 pm, and four units initially rushed to the scene to begin control operations.

According to Talha Bin Jasim, an officer at the Fire Service media cell, “Thirty-six units of the Fire Service are working to control the fire at the airport’s Cargo Village. The cause and extent of the damage are not yet known, and no casualties have been reported.”

Additionally, two fire units from the Bangladesh Air Force, along with personnel from the Navy, Army, and two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), joined the firefighting and rescue efforts.