The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) own firefighting team reached the Cargo Village within 30 seconds of Saturday’s blaze, Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said today.

Quoting the Civil Aviation Authority chairman, the Adviser told reporters after visiting the site that the quick response helped contain the fire before it spread further.

He dismissed allegations that Fire Service and Civil Defense units were delayed due to clearance issues but said any such claims would be reviewed.

Efforts are underway to assess the damage, he added, noting that 21 flights were diverted or cancelled following the incident. To ease congestion, the government has waived VAT and taxes on all non-scheduled flights for the next three days.

The Adviser also said all incoming cargo would be cleared within 36 hours, and compensation would be provided based on existing insurance policies.

A massive fire broke out at HSIA’s Cargo Village around 2:15pm on Saturday, suspending flight operations for more than six hours. The Fire Service and Civil Defense, Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Navy, and Civil Aviation Authority jointly brought the blaze under control.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that multiple agencies coordinated in the firefighting and rescue operation.

MN/