‘My $75,000 Pharma Goods Were in the Warehouse, All Gone’: Shahjalal Airport Cargo Village Fire and What Comes Next

A wall of smoke rose over Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on October 18, 2025. A large fire tore through the import cargo complex, known as Cargo Village, where imported goods wait for customs and delivery. Traders stood helpless as flames swallowed stocks worth billions of taka. One importer summed up the shock in a single line: “My 75 thousand dollars worth of pharmaceutical goods were in the warehouse, all gone.”

The cause is still under investigation, and authorities have urged calm. Firefighters from 13 stations, a total of 37 units, fought to control the blaze. In this guide, you will find clear updates on what happened, what the losses mean for medicine supply, and practical steps to protect claims and recover. If you are a trader, importer, or logistics manager, you will find advice you can use today.

What happened at Shahjalal Airport Cargo Village on October 18, 2025?

A major fire broke out inside the import cargo complex at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The site holds thousands of pallets of inbound goods, including sensitive medical products. The blaze prompted a massive response from the fire service. Airport operations faced disruption as responders worked to stop the spread.

Officials said the fire was brought under control after hours of work. Early reports noted widespread damage across multiple sections of the cargo area. Investigators are still reviewing evidence and have not yet confirmed a cause. For a straight report from the ministry side, see coverage on how the airport fire was brought under control.

Timeline and location of the fire at the import cargo complex

The fire started inside Cargo Village, the airport’s import hub. Here, shipments enter from overseas, get stored in bonded zones, and wait for release to distributors and pharmacies. The area is designed for volume and speed. Pallets stack high, aisles can be tight, and multiple cargo types sit side by side.

This layout boosts throughput, but it also raises risk. Dense storage lets fire travel fast. Heat builds in confined racks. Packaging materials feed flames. If cold chain goods lose temperature control, they can spoil even without direct contact with fire.

Firefighting response: 13 stations and 37 units battled the blaze

Responders converged from across the city. According to local reports, 37 firefighting units from 13 stations worked for hours, sometimes alongside military teams, to contain the blaze in the cargo zone. Mixed cargo, high stacks, and limited access points made the job harder.

• Stacked pallets restricted hose lines and equipment movement.

• Mixed goods meant hidden hot spots that reignited after initial dousing.

• Smoke and heat slowed progress and reduced visibility.

A detailed field account noted the scale and the long effort before the fire was under control. See this report highlighting the 37 firefighting units and hours-long battle.

Voices from the scene: “My $75,000 pharma goods were in the warehouse, all gone”

The simple quote captures the heartbreak. Importers, customs brokers, forklift operators, and drivers watched months of planning go up in smoke. Some feared not just ruined goods, but canceled contracts and lost trust with suppliers abroad.

Pharmaceuticals are fragile in these events. Heat degrades active ingredients. Smoke and soot contaminate sterile packaging. Water from hoses or sprinklers can soak labels and dissolve lot numbers. Even vials that look intact may lose potency if temperatures spike beyond limits. For traders who bet their working capital on each shipment, the loss hits hard.

Official updates and current status

Security and aviation authorities have opened inquiries into what happened inside the cargo complex. Investigators are looking at all angles, including electrical faults and deliberate acts, but have not confirmed a cause. Officials asked the public to stay calm and to avoid spreading rumors. Airports often restore operations in phases after a large incident, and cargo handling may reroute to reduce bottlenecks.

For quick news snapshots on operations and control of the fire, see updates on how the blaze disrupted flights and was later controlled. For broader context on the immediate impact on flights, Reuters reported on delays and diversions.

Losses and the pharma supply chain: what it means for traders and patients

The cargo complex handles high-value, time-sensitive stock, including medicines. That is why this fire stings across the supply chain. While rerouting can ease some pressure, there may be short-term gaps in availability for certain items. The goal is simple: keep patients informed without sparking panic buying.

For flight operations and authorities’ statements on the day, here is a concise report on how flight operations were affected and the cargo village was hit.

What was damaged: medicines, medical supplies, and other imports

Damage covered a wide range of goods. Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are at the top of concern. Heat can ruin tablets and capsules. Smoke infiltrates cartons and risks contamination. Water can lift labels, erase batch codes, and trigger product recalls. Cold chain items, such as certain vaccines and injectables, fail if temperatures drift even for a short window.

Other imports also took hits. Electronics suffer from water exposure. Textiles absorb smoke and odors. Food items require strict quality checks before release. The combined losses count in billions of taka, according to early estimates, and the final total may change as assessments finish.

Will medicine shortages hit Dhaka and beyond?

Short-term shortages could occur for select items. Some wholesalers keep buffer stock in separate facilities, which helps. Importers can also reorder and shift cargo via alternate gateways to reduce downtime. Price pressure might rise if demand spikes, so avoid hoarding. That behavior empties shelves faster and hurts vulnerable patients.

Practical steps for patients:

• Ask your pharmacy about current stock and expected delivery dates.

• If a medicine is unavailable, consult your doctor for safe alternatives.

• Buy only what you need for the usual refill cycle.

Small importers at risk: cash flow shocks and canceled orders

Small and mid-size traders face the harshest financial shock. Their working capital is tied up in the lost inventory. Letters of credit may be near expiry. Overseas suppliers may push for payment despite the loss. Delayed deliveries can trigger penalties from downstream buyers.

How this unfolds in practice:

• LC dates squeeze traders who must pay without sale proceeds.

• Suppliers might demand prepayment for replacements due to risk.

• Buyers cancel or push down prices on future orders.

Early, honest communication can soften these blows. Traders who explain the incident and ask for short extensions, revised LC terms, or split shipments often find partners willing to help.

Immediate steps for affected businesses today

Act fast and keep records. Claims go smoother when your file is complete and time-stamped.

• Notify your insurer in writing. Include airway bill numbers, invoice values, and a brief loss summary.

• File a General Diary or police entry if required by your policy.

• Gather documents. Airway bills, invoices, packing lists, purchase orders, LC details, and any temperature logs.

• Record evidence. Photos and videos of damaged pallets, labels, and storage areas.

• Contact the warehouse operator and airline. Request incident reports and confirmation of storage status at the time of loss.

• Check with customs. Confirm whether cargo was cleared or under bond to avoid duty complications.

A clear paper trail protects your position and speeds adjustments.

Cause under investigation: facts, rumors, and safety gaps

Everyone wants answers. The site is complex, and large fires require careful forensic work. Investigators will test multiple theories. Until the official report is out, stick to verified updates and avoid rumor-fueled claims.

For summary reporting on response and control, you can refer to how the ministry outlined the situation as under control.

What investigators are probing right now

Expect teams to review these areas:

• Electrical faults, including short circuits and overloaded lines.

• Maintenance records for wiring, panels, and HVAC units.

• CCTV footage for sequence of spread and human activity.

• Fire load in each zone, including flammables and battery shipments.

• Alarm and suppression systems, sprinkler coverage, and hydrant pressure.

• Staff training, evacuation steps, and access control during the incident.

A thorough investigation takes time. The final report should explain ignition, spread, and the effectiveness of safety systems.

Common cargo village hazards that make fires worse

Cargo hubs share a set of high-risk factors:

• Blocked aisles and narrow lanes, which slow responders and evacuees.

• Limited smoke detection in large open bays.

• Incomplete sprinkler coverage in older sections.

• Flammable packaging, including corrugated boxes and plastic wrap.

• Lithium batteries and alcohol-based products stored near general goods.

• Overcrowded racks and temporary overflows during peak import periods.

Simple fixes save lives and stock. Keep exit lanes clear. Separate hazardous goods from general cargo. Improve early detection. Audit storage density monthly, not yearly.

How to follow verified updates and avoid rumor panic

Use trusted news outlets that source officials and on-scene teams. Beware of viral clips without a location, date, or source. Cross-check headlines with multiple outlets before sharing. Outdated posts often resurface during crises and add to confusion.

For timely snapshots and operational notes from credible outlets, see reports on flight delays and diversions and coverage that the fire was brought under control after hours of work.

Insurance, claims, and recovery: a step-by-step guide for traders

Getting paid on time depends on clean documentation, consistent communication, and a simple plan to cover short-term cash needs. Use the steps below to keep your claim on track and your business afloat.

For a concise news digest on the scale and response, you can reference a report that summarized how flight operations were affected and crews battled the blaze.

Document your loss the right way

Start a loss file and keep it organized. A precise inventory speeds your adjuster’s work.

• Create an itemized list of affected goods with quantities.

• Record values in BDT and USD for clarity.

• Note batch or lot numbers and expiry dates for all medicines.

• Take high-resolution photos and short videos of damaged items, labels, and storage locations.

• Preserve damaged goods until the surveyor inspects them.

• Keep a log of every call or email with dates and names.

A simple table helps you track the essentials.

Itemized Loss Tracker

Document What to include Where to find it Air Waybill (AWB) AWB number, flight details Freight forwarder or airline portal Commercial Invoice Item descriptions, unit price, total value Supplier Packing List Carton counts, weights, dimensions Supplier Import Docs LC, insurance certificate, delivery order Bank, insurer, airline Product Data Batch or lot, expiry, storage requirements Supplier COA or spec sheet Evidence Photos, videos, temperature logs if any Your team on site Incident Reports Warehouse or airline statements, case numbers Operators

Work with customs, airlines, and warehouse operators

You need official records to support your claim and any duty issues.

• Ask customs to confirm whether the cargo cleared or stayed under bond.

• Request a formal incident report from the warehouse operator.

• Request any operational disruption or force majeure letters from the airline and terminal.

• Keep all communication in writing and save case numbers.

• If goods were in a cold room, seek temperature logs, door access logs, and power records.

These documents anchor your claim and reduce disputes on responsibility.

Finance the gap: relief, bank support, and supplier terms

Claims take time. Plan for 60 to 90 days of working capital needs.

• Talk to your bank about an overdraft or short-term working capital loan.

• Ask suppliers for extended payment terms or split shipments to restart sales.

• Consider partial prepayment plans that match your incoming cash.

• Delay non-essential expenses and focus on inventory that turns fast.

• Coordinate with major customers so they understand revised delivery dates.

If any relief programs are announced, trade bodies and banks usually update clients quickly.

Build a stronger risk plan for next time

Reduce concentration risk and improve recovery speed.

• Stock throughput insurance that covers goods from supplier to store.

• Diversify storage across two or more warehouses in different zones.

• Backup cold chain capacity with secondary power and temperature alerts.

• Off-site backups of invoices, AWBs, and compliance records.

• A crisis contact sheet with insurer, bank, broker, warehouse, airline, customs, and top customers.

• Quarterly housekeeping checks for aisles, alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler coverage.

• Pre-peak safety reviews before high import seasons.

These steps do not remove all risk, but they cut the odds of a total loss.

Conclusion

The fire at Shahjalal Airport’s Cargo Village on October 18, 2025 shook businesses and families alike. Goods worth billions of taka were damaged. One importer said his $75,000 pharma shipment was gone in minutes. Investigations continue, and firefighters from 13 stations and 37 units worked for hours to contain the blaze.

If you were affected, act now. Document your losses, contact your insurer, confirm customs status, and request reports from the warehouse and airline. Stay with verified updates from credible outlets like The Daily Star and bdnews24. Avoid panic buying and focus on steady recovery. With clear records and open talks with banks and suppliers, you can bridge the gap and rebuild stronger.