Probe committee formed after fire at Shahjalal airport cargo complex
State minister cites possible electrical short circuit, warns of action if negligence is found
ATT Desk Report 
Authorities have formed a five-member investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire that broke out at the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday night, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the site following the incident, the state minister said the affected cargo warehouse had been storing goods beyond its designated capacity, raising concerns about operational management and safety compliance.
He said preliminary observations suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit. However, he stressed that a detailed investigation is necessary to determine why such incidents continue to recur.
"Previous investigation reports have also identified electrical short circuits as the cause of fires. We need to find out why these incidents are happening repeatedly and whether there has been any negligence or mismanagement," he said.
Millat warned that strict action would be taken if the probe uncovers negligence by any individual or organisation responsible for the facility's management.
The fire broke out on Friday night in the courier operations zone of the airport's cargo complex near Gate No. 9.
According to the Fire Service, firefighters brought the blaze under control within 15 minutes of receiving the alarm. However, it took nearly one and a half hours to completely extinguish the fire and ensure there was no risk of reignition.
Four Fire Service units participated in the operation, managing to contain the fire before it could spread to other sections of the cargo facility.
Officials said the incident caused only limited damage, while flight operations at the country's largest international airport remained unaffected throughout the emergency response.
The findings of the newly formed investigation committee are expected to shed light on the exact cause of the fire and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
