Experts Warn of Rising Fire Risks and Safety Gaps in Bangladesh

Firefighters battle flames at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s cargo section on Saturday (Oct 18, 2025).

A series of major fire incidents in Dhaka and Chattogram this week have reignited concerns over Bangladesh’s fire safety standards, emergency preparedness, and weak enforcement of industrial safety measures, experts said.

The latest blaze broke out at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, forcing the suspension of all flight operations. The fire erupted around 2:30 pm near Gate No. 8, according to Fire Service and Civil Defence Media Cell official Talha Bin Jashim.

Thirty-seven firefighting units were deployed to battle the blaze, with six more units joining later. Members of the Bangladesh Army, Air Force, and two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also took part in the operation. Airport spokesperson Md Masudul Hasan Masud confirmed that flight operations were suspended as a precautionary measure.

Earlier in the week, a devastating fire in the Shialbari area of Rupnagar in Mirpur killed 16 people after a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse caught fire on Tuesday. Although the factory blaze was brought under control within three hours, the warehouse continued to burn for hours.

In another incident, a massive fire at a factory in Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) on Thursday took nearly 17 hours and 25 firefighting units to extinguish. Investigations into both the Dhaka and Chattogram fires are underway, with committees formed by the Fire Service and local administrations.

Experts and officials say these incidents reveal long-standing weaknesses in fire safety enforcement, building inspections, and emergency coordination. They warn that without systematic reform, such disasters will continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.

Bangladesh has witnessed several deadly fires over the years — including a 2021 blaze at a food factory that killed 52 people, a 2019 fire in Old Dhaka that claimed 78 lives, and the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse that killed more than 1,100 workers. Each tragedy exposed deep-rooted failures in oversight, safety compliance, and enforcement.

“Hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials must be stored safely and regularly inspected by the responsible organisations,” said Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor at East West University. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among city corporations, RAJUK, and the Fire Service to prevent recurring tragedies.

Abbasi said that while safety rules exist on paper, their poor enforcement remains the core problem. “We must ensure that factories are separated from residential areas and that safety practices are strictly followed. Regular inspections, transparency, and accountability are essential,” he added.

He also called for greater investment in the Fire Service — including more manpower, better resources, and improved access routes — to ensure faster response times. Traffic congestion, narrow roads, and the lack of water hydrants often delay firefighting efforts, he noted.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), Bangladesh recorded 26,659 fire incidents in 2024, resulting in 140 deaths — including two firefighters — and 341 injuries. On average, 73 fire incidents occurred daily across the country.

Most fires were caused by electrical short circuits, stoves, gas leaks, and discarded cigarette or bidi ends, the FSCD report said. The fires caused property losses worth about Tk 447 crore, while prompt firefighting efforts saved properties valued at Tk 1,974 crore.

In 2024, the FSCD conducted 147 mobile court drives, fining 149 organisations a total of Tk 25.83 crore for safety violations. It also filed cases against three organisations.

To boost prevention, the department organised 18,983 drills, 3,036 surveys, and 15,683 public awareness campaigns across the country. A total of 1,47,717 people received fire safety training through 7,769 courses, including 1,56,840 garment workers trained across 3,921 factory-based sessions.

Experts agreed that while training and enforcement activities have expanded, implementation remains inconsistent. They urged a coordinated, long-term strategy combining strict regulation, urban planning, and public awareness to address Bangladesh’s recurring fire safety crisis.