BTMA chief hints role of 'neighbour' in HSIA fire

Hinting at a 'neighbouring' country, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Shawkat Aziz Russell has alleged a “deliberate conspiracy” behind the recent fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

He suggested it was part of a broader effort by regional rivals to undermine Bangladesh’s $47 billion ready-made garment (RMG) export industry.

Speaking at a press conference at Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka on Monday, Russell claimed that a neighbouring country are orchestrating incidents to erode buyer confidence and divert global apparel orders away from Bangladesh. 

“There is a geopolitical motive,” he asserted. “Some countries want their own garment exports to grow at our expense. This year alone, our RMG market has contracted by 6%, and net sales have fallen by 5%—a sharper decline than even during last year’s July unrest.”

Russell warned that repeated arson attacks on industrial and logistical infrastructure, now reaching the country’s main international airport, signal a coordinated campaign. “A matchstick costs one taka, but the damage to a business employing thousands is incalculable,” he said. “This isn’t a playground, it’s Dhaka’s international airport. If fires can reach here, what’s next? Our homes?”

His remarks come amid growing alarm in the export community. The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) estimated the fire caused direct and indirect losses of approximately Tk 12,000 crore and condemned the authorities’ failure to secure critical trade infrastructure. EAB President Mohammad Hatem, reading from a prepared statement, demanded swift investigation and punishment for those responsible.

Both industry leaders expressed concern over deteriorating investor and buyer sentiment. “Many international buyers are reconsidering visits or shifting orders,” Russell said. “When a fire hits the very gateway of our exports, it sends a dangerous signal to the world.”

The Cargo Village, a key logistics hub handling export documentation, customs clearance, and cargo consolidation for RMG shipments, was severely damaged in the blaze, disrupting supply chains during a critical pre-holiday season period.

Industry insiders now urge the government to enhance security at strategic trade facilities and treat such incidents as threats to national economic security, not isolated accidents.