Bangladesh probes airport blaze

BANGLADESHI traders yesterday assessed heavy losses after a devastating fire tore through the cargo complex of the country’s main international airport, as the government opened an investigation into possible arson.

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Firefighters had brought the blaze under control and flight operations resumed late Saturday, airport executive director S M Ragib Samad said, after thick black smoke swept across the runway, forcing authorities to briefly suspend flights.

But Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's cargo complex - which stores fabrics, garment accessories, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other imports ~ was left in ruins.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) said it had begun assessing the damage, with business groups warning that direct losses and subsequent impacts on trade could run into the millions of dollars.

Bangladesh is the world’s second-biggest garment manufacturer, and textile and garment production accounts for about 80% of exports.