Dhaka, Oct 20 (V7N) — Despite the announcement to resume operations through Gate No. 9 following the devastating fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the process of unloading imported goods has yet to begin, leaving importers and customs agents frustrated and anxious.

Since Monday morning (October 20), importers, C&F (Clearing and Forwarding) agents, and courier service representatives have been waiting outside Gate No. 9, hoping to unload their goods. However, they claim that no visible activities have taken place by the airline or customs authorities.

The unloading and customs clearance of imported goods have remained suspended since the massive fire broke out at the airport’s Cargo Village on Saturday afternoon (October 18).

In a circular issued earlier, Customs House Commissioner Md. Moshiur Rahman informed stakeholders that imported goods would temporarily be unloaded through Gate No. 9 as an alternative arrangement. The notice also instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure physical inspection and customs clearance at the new location.

However, importers at the scene expressed doubt over whether the operations would actually resume at Gate No. 9. They pointed out the lack of necessary infrastructure, such as high-lift trucks, forklifts, and loading platforms, required for handling heavy goods.

One importer said, “We’ve been waiting here since morning, but there’s been no activity. Without proper equipment, it’s unclear how the unloading will even take place.”

Business representatives warned that if the situation persists, it could lead to severe financial losses due to delays in releasing time-sensitive imported goods.

The fire, which broke out around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, engulfed a major section of the Cargo Village. A total of 37 fire service units worked for nearly seven hours to bring the flames under control. The fire was fully extinguished on Sunday, though the extent of damage to stored goods is still being assessed.

Authorities are yet to provide a definitive timeline for when the unloading operations will resume in full swing.

END/SMA/AJ