Dhaka: On Saturday, Bangladeshi authorities suspended all flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital, Dhaka, following a massive fire that broke out in the cargo terminal, diverting a number of flights to other airports. At least four people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, whilst no major casualties have been reported so far.
According to Qatar News Agency, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine its origins. Preliminary indications suggest it may have started in a storage area containing flammable goods.
Although the main airport terminal was not affected, thick smoke clouds covered the runway area, severely limiting visibility and temporarily suspending flight operations, according to local media reports.
Media cell officer at the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, Talha Bin Zasim, stated that around 37 firefighting units were involved in extinguishing the fire, supported by army, navy, and air force personnel. He added that rescue teams managed to bring the fire under control after several hours.