Dhaka: The Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB) today announced a six-point demand to the government in response to the fire incident at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). EAB President Mohammad Hatem announced the demand at a press conference at a hotel in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the demands include prompt settlement of insurance claims for goods damaged in the fire, formation of a special government fund to compensate uninsured exporters, modernisation and expansion of the Cargo Village with improved security measures, establishment of a separate, air-conditioned warehouse for the pharmaceutical sector, construction of a chemical warehouse at a safe distance, and full automation of Cargo Village warehouse management using modern technology.
At the press conference, Hatem, who also heads the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), urged the government to take immediate measures to assess the losses caused by the fire incident alongside ensuring compensation, and strengthening safety protocols at the airport's cargo handling facilities to prevent similar incidents in future.
He noted the challenge in accurately determining the total loss suffered by exporters, emphasizing that the raw materials destroyed in the blaze will significantly impact the production of export-ready goods. He highlighted the urgency in sending messages to members to gauge the extent of the damage, indicating that a comprehensive picture is still forthcoming.
Hatem called on the government to swiftly implement the EAB's six-point demand following a full investigation and damage assessment. The press conference was jointly organised by major sectoral organisations, including BKMEA, BGMEA, BTMA, BGPMEA, and associations representing various export-oriented industries.