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Finance ministry forms panel to assess losses for Dhaka airport fire

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. nel-to-assess-losses-for-dhaka-airport-fire.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 15:49 GMT by The Daily Star
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Finance Ministry Forms Panel to Assess Losses from Dhaka Airport Fire

A committee has been formed by Bangladesh’s finance ministry to evaluate the financial losses incurred as a result of the recent fire incident at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka. The move aims to determine the extent of damage and inform potential compensation or recovery strategies, according to a report published by The Daily Star.

The panel, comprised of representatives from various government agencies including the finance ministry itself, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and the airport authority, was established on September 7th. Its primary task is to comprehensively assess the financial impact stemming from the fire that broke out in a terminal building on August 28th. The committee’s findings will be crucial for formulating future plans regarding repairs, replacements, and potential insurance claims.

The fire, which originated in the airport's international arrivals lounge, caused significant disruption to flight operations and passenger services. While no casualties were reported, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities within the airport's infrastructure and emergency response protocols. Initial reports suggested damage primarily affected the terminal building’s interior, including electrical systems, furniture, and various operational equipment. The extent of structural damage remains under assessment by engineers.

The Daily Star report details that the committee is expected to submit its findings within a month. This timeframe suggests an urgency in understanding the financial implications and initiating recovery processes. The panel's work will involve detailed inspections, consultations with relevant stakeholders – including airport staff, insurance providers, and contractors – and analysis of existing documentation related to asset valuation and infrastructure costs.

CAAB Chairman Abu Zafar Ahmed confirmed the formation of the committee, emphasizing its importance in accurately quantifying the losses. He stated that a thorough assessment is necessary for proper planning and resource allocation towards restoration efforts. The CAAB has been under scrutiny following the incident, with calls for improved safety measures and enhanced fire prevention systems across all airports in Bangladesh.

Following the fire, an investigation team was formed to determine the cause of the blaze. Preliminary findings pointed toward a short circuit as the likely trigger, although a formal report is still pending. The Daily Star article references previous incidents at HSIA, including a 2019 electrical explosion that also disrupted operations and raised concerns about infrastructure maintenance. [ https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/dhaka/airport-explosion-causes-power-outage-1765438 ] This history underscores the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades at HSIA and other airports nationwide.

The finance ministry’s intervention through this assessment panel signals a commitment to addressing the financial repercussions of the fire and ensuring accountability in the recovery process. The committee's report will likely inform decisions regarding budgetary allocations for airport repairs, potential insurance claims, and future investments in safety infrastructure. It is anticipated that the findings will also contribute to broader discussions about improving risk management practices within the CAAB and enhancing overall aviation safety standards in Bangladesh.

The Daily Star article notes that the government has previously faced challenges in recovering losses from similar incidents due to complexities in assessing damages and navigating insurance claims. The formation of this specialized committee, with its diverse representation, aims to streamline the assessment process and ensure a more accurate determination of financial liabilities. The report also highlights ongoing concerns about the aging infrastructure at HSIA, which was originally designed for significantly lower passenger volumes than it currently handles. This rapid growth has placed considerable strain on existing systems, contributing to increased maintenance demands and heightened safety risks.

The committee’s assessment will not only focus on immediate financial losses but may also consider indirect economic impacts, such as disruptions to tourism and trade resulting from the airport closure and operational limitations. A detailed report is expected to provide a clear picture of the overall cost of the fire incident and guide future strategies for mitigating similar risks in the future. The Daily Star’s coverage indicates that the government intends to learn from this experience and implement measures to prevent recurrence, reinforcing the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and robust safety protocols within Bangladesh's aviation sector.