Fires at Dhaka airport, Ctg EPZ can alarm foreign buyers, warns BKMEA
A large number of users of the cargo village are traders from the ready-made garment (RMG) sector
The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) said today (18 October) that the recent fire at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) and today's blaze at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have raised serious safety concerns among trader and could also trigger apprehension among foreign buyers.
"The fire at such a highly sensitive area like the cargo village clearly shows how unsafe the place is," BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem told The Business Standard this evening.
"For years, we exporters have been complaining that our goods are stored in open and unsafe spaces, posing major fire risks."
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He urged the government to launch an immediate investigation to determine whether the incident was accidental or the result of foul play, mentioning previous fire incidents at both local and export-oriented garment factories.
A large number of users of the cargo village are traders from the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, who use the facility to import light machinery and electronic equipment, and to send apparel products and samples abroad.
International courier services also operate from the complex, handling air shipments of documents and parcels, while pharmaceutical companies use it to import raw materials. Agricultural exporters, especially those shipping vegetables and other perishables, rely heavily on the facility for their exports.
"It is difficult right now to assess the extent of damage suffered by exporters," Hatem said. "However, a clearer picture will emerge once the authorities complete a full investigation."
He added that the BKMEA would issue a circular to its members, asking them to report accounts of their respective losses.
