How many more infernos before Bangladesh takes fire safety seriously?

On 14 October 2025, a fire broke out in a garment factory in the Mirpur area of Dhaka, killing at least 16 people. Subsequently, on Thursday, 16 October, a devastating fire erupted at the Chattogram Export Processing Zones (EPZ) at 2:30 pm, with the heat of the blaze felt several hundred meters away. Just one day later, on 18 October, a fire struck Shahjalal International Airport, instantly incinerating the entire cargo village.

The series of fires at such economically and socially vital locations has left the nation deeply worried. The repetition of incidents and their recurrence in sensitive areas make it difficult to view this situation as a mere accident. Let there be any act of sabotage or not, at least, we need to find an answer. The country can not just keep burning.

Bangladesh is currently on a trajectory of rapid economic growth and industrialisation. The garment industry and the EPZs form the backbone of the nation's economy. Meanwhile, Shahjalal International Airport serves as the country's main gateway for international communication and commerce. The persistence of fires in these crucial locations not only causes loss of life and property but also severely damages the country's image and investment climate.

Although an investigation committee is formed after every incident, the full report and the effective implementation of corrective measures are often not made clear to the public. Consequently, doubts arise in the public mind. Specifically, when such incidents occur repeatedly at economically critical institutions, theories of a conspiracy begin to surface.

Investigations into the causes of these fires reveal several key factors, with mismanagement and infrastructural defects emerging as the primary culprits. The majority of fires can be traced to these issues, particularly old and faulty electrical equipment. Many factories in the garment and EPZ sectors still rely on outdated, substandard wires and machinery, which are major contributors to short circuits. 

Overloading further exacerbates the risk. Moreover, most buildings lack proper fire suppression systems, adequate fire exits, and smoke detection equipment. In cases where such systems exist, their regular maintenance and functionality are often neglected.

In addition, a widespread issue is the lack of worker training on fire prevention and safety, coupled with authorities' lax enforcement of regulations. For example, in the cases of the Chattogram EPZ, Mirpur garment factories, and Shahjalal Airport, the fact that numerous fire service units struggled for hours to bring the blazes under control raises questions about inadequate training or insufficient equipment. Such mismanagement and lack of oversight create conditions where fires, whether deemed "natural" or "accidental," can easily occur.

At the same time, the possibility of deliberate malice cannot be dismissed. When critical establishments repeatedly catch fire, a "planned" conspiracy becomes plausible. Several motives could underlie such a cycle, including insurance fraud, competitive rivalry, sabotage, attacks on national interests, or worker discontent. Fires at sensitive locations like Shahjalal Airport, garment factories, and EPZs could be part of a larger scheme aimed at tarnishing the country's image or undermining its security system. The ultimate objective may be to disrupt economic stability or provoke international concern.

It would be shortsighted to attribute the recurring fires at critical sites such as Mirpur garment factories, Chattogram EPZ, and Shahjalal Airport merely to "natural causes" or to dismiss them as isolated accidents. In reality, the majority of these fires stem from human-made weaknesses, including mismanagement and breaches of safety protocols. These very vulnerabilities, in turn, create opportunities for deliberate conspiracies—if such actors exist at all.

In the current context, rigorous action is essential to curb this fire-related menace and safeguard the country's economic progress. This requires two key measures. First, strict monitoring and enforcement of the law, including swift and exemplary punishment for violations of fire safety and building codes. Second, modernisation of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, equipping them with advanced tools and comprehensive training to respond effectively to emergencies.

Most importantly, investigations must be transparent: every fire incident should be examined promptly, impartially, and openly, with the findings made available to the public. If evidence of deliberate sabotage or insurance fraud emerges, the perpetrators must be dealt with decisively.

These fires are a stark warning of our collective negligence. The government must address this threat with seriousness, implementing long-term and effective measures to protect the nation from both "natural" and deliberate hazards. Otherwise, the flames will continue to jeopardise Bangladesh's economy and security.

Sadia Islam Kasfia is a student in the Department of Bengali at Jagannath University.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.