Bangladesh has launched an investigation into the cause of a massive fire that tore through the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, as officials assess damage and consider possible arson behind the blaze.

The fire, which broke out late Saturday, disrupted flight operations and swept thick black smoke across the runway, forcing a temporary suspension of all departures and arrivals. Airport executive director S. M. Ragib Samad confirmed to AFP that flight operations resumed shortly after the fire was brought under control.

The cargo complex, which handles critical imports including fabrics, garment accessories, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, was left in ruins.

Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR) has begun assessing the extent of the losses, but business groups warned on Sunday that the fire could result in millions of dollars in damages, both in destroyed goods and trade disruption.

Bangladesh, the world's second-largest garment manufacturer, relies heavily on the textile sector, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of its exports.

"We have started our assessment," Moshiur Rahman, a senior NBR official, told AFP, adding that the impact on trade logistics is expected to be significant.

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Firefighting efforts and eyewitness accounts

The fire was described as intense, with 37 firefighting units deployed alongside security forces. Firefighters battled for hours to contain the flames as smoke continued to rise from the smoldering structure on Sunday.

"The fire spread to every corner, I don't know if any consignment could escape," an exhausted firefighter told AFP, his uniform covered in ash and soot.

Importer Anand Kumar Ghosh, who lost 52 consignments in the blaze, said to AFP, "We were supposed to deliver the consignments to our clients today. All burnt to ashes, I guess."

At least four people suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, according to Moinul Ahsan from the Directorate of Health.

Possible sabotage under investigation

While the cause of the fire remains unknown, the government has acknowledged growing public concern amid a series of recent industrial fires. These include deadly incidents in Chittagong’s export processing zone and a chemical and garment factory in Dhaka, where 16 people were killed.

The government, per AFP, citing a statement, said all recent incidents are being investigated thoroughly. "Any credible evidence of sabotage or arson will be met with a swift and resolute response," the statement read.

It warned against allowing fear or disorder to take hold and reaffirmed that "no act of criminality or provocation will be allowed to disrupt public life or the political process."

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Political context and public reaction

The fire comes amid ongoing political turmoil in the South Asian country of 170 million, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led revolt in August 2024. With general elections scheduled for February 2026, authorities have warned against destabilizing attempts during the democratic transition.

“If these fires prove to be acts of sabotage, and their aim is to sow panic and division, they’ll succeed only if we allow fear to overtake our reason and our resolve,” the government added.

"Bangladesh has faced many challenges before, and together we will face any threats to our new democracy with unity, calm and determination. We have nothing to fear but fear itself."