Smoke still billows from Dhaka airport cargo village a day after massive fire
Fire service personnel are continuing their efforts to battle the remnants of the blaze.
Smoke is still rising from the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport this morning (19 October) on the second day after a massive fire, which was brought under control after around six hours of toiling.
Fire service personnel are continuing their efforts to extinguish the remaining flames fully.
Our correspondent on the scene reports that smoke continues to rise inside as firefighters spray water, noting that a large plume of smoke was billowing out moments earlier.
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According to airport authorities, flight operations resumed at around 9pm last night and have since been running as usual.
The massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Dhaka airport yesterday afternoon, forcing a suspension of all flight operations for seven hours and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
The fire, which began at around 2pm near Gate 8 of the airport's cargo village, spread rapidly through an area storing imported goods.
At least 37 fire service units were deployed to contain the blaze, while army personnel were called in to assist with rescue operations and maintain order.
Although no fatalities were reported, at least 25 Ansar members were injured while helping to fight the fire.
Fire service official Talha Bin Jashim said the blaze originated in a section where imported goods were stored.
The fire was completely brought under control by 9pm, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement, adding that all flight operations have also resumed.
Civil Aviation Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin told reporters at the site that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause.
Asked whether sabotage is suspected, he said, "No comment can be made at this moment." He urged anyone with relevant information to assist the authorities.
Meanwhile, a seven-member committee has been formed to investigate the fire, said a press release from Biman Bangladesh Airlines. It will submit a report within five working days.
The finance ministry has formed a five-member committee to assess the overall losses.
The NBR has also taken special measures to ensure that import-export activities at the Dhaka Customs House continue smoothly despite the fire.
