• A massive fire at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is assessed to cost up to $1 billion in damages.
• The incident has significantly disrupted the garment export sector, critical to the Bangladeshi economy.
• Investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway amid concerns of possible arson.

Bangladesh's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was the site of a devastating fire on Saturday, leading to an estimated loss of over $1 billion for garment exporters. The fire severely damaged the import cargo complex, crucial during this peak export season, jeopardizing extensive amounts of goods, including fabrics and ready-to-export apparel, vital for the country's economy, particularly its garment sector, which generates about $40 billion annually, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The fire broke out in the cargo complex, causing immediate suspension of flight operations as thick smoke covered the runway. "We have witnessed a devastating scene inside. The entire import section has been reduced to ashes," stated Faisal Samad, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), highlighting the extensive damage caused by the fire, as noted in reports from South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

Industry leaders expressed concern that the destruction of raw materials and production samples could hinder future business opportunities, as these samples are essential for securing new contracts and expanding orders. "Losing them means our members may miss out on future opportunities," warned Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of BGMEA, as reported by BBC and South China Morning Post.

This incident marks the third major fire reported in Bangladesh within the week, raising public fears of arson. Following the fire at the airport, a warehouse blaze claimed 16 lives just days earlier, leading to increased scrutiny from the government, which has initiated an investigation. The government stated that any evidence of sabotage would be met with a strong response, aiming to dispel any attempts to sow panic, as outlined by Reuters and Al Jazeera.