Business Report :
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) have announced plans to establish a temporary warehouse at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HISA) to support export-import operations following a devastating fire at the airport’s cargo village.
The decision followed a meeting on October 20 with Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisor to the Commerce Ministry and Private Aviation and Tourism, where trade leaders discussed immediate measures to protect imported goods and ensure continuity in exports.
The fire, which broke out on October 18 at the airport’s import-cargo shed, caused severe damage, rendering the facility unusable and temporarily disrupting the import-export activities of the garment sector, a key contributor to Bangladesh’s economy.
To address the disruption, the two trade bodies will jointly set up a ‘Rubb Hall’ temporary warehouse at the newly constructed Terminal-3, which is currently not operational for regular storage.
The warehouse will provide immediate space to store imported raw materials and other critical goods, preventing further financial losses and production delays for exporters.
BGMEA has already awarded a work order to a supplier, ensuring that the temporary facility is installed within the shortest possible time. The warehouse is expected to serve as a stopgap solution until the airport cargo facilities are fully restored.
According to BGMEA, the initiative will not only protect imported products but also support the uninterrupted flow of Bangladesh’s overall export-import trade, which is vital for the garment and knitwear sectors.
Industry experts said the step is critical for minimising economic losses and maintaining confidence among international buyers, as timely delivery and raw material availability remain essential for Bangladesh’s export competitiveness.
The trade bodies also indicated they are coordinating with airport authorities and logistics providers to ensure smooth operations and prevent further disruptions in the coming months.
