Dhaka, Oct 21 (V7N) — The recent fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Cargo Village will not tarnish Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ image internationally, said Air Vice Marshal Md. Mustafa Mahmud Siddique, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

He made the remarks during a press briefing held at the CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola on Tuesday (October 21) morning.

“The incident will not affect Biman’s reputation globally,” he said, emphasizing that the fire station capacity at the airport must be enhanced to better handle such emergencies in the future.

The CAAB chairman noted that Biman Bangladesh Airlines, C&F agents, and customs authorities are responsible for unloading imported goods within 21 days. An investigation is currently underway regarding the goods scattered outside the cargo terminal following the fire.

He further revealed that the contractor of the new e-cargo terminal is facing a financial shortfall of several thousand crores of taka, which has delayed the use of the new facility. As a result, cargo operations are continuing on an ad hoc basis.

Additionally, the CAAB chief announced that taxes have been waived on additional flights for a three-day period, valid until midnight on October 21, to facilitate smooth flight operations amid the disruption.

The fire, which broke out on October 18, was brought under full control on October 19 after extensive efforts by the Fire Service.

END/SMA/AJ