Local manufacturers are facing a severe raw material shortage after a massive fire destroyed imported production inputs at Dhaka airport’s cargo complex on Saturday. Apparel and pharmaceutical sectors have been hit the hardest, risking export delays and production halts. 

Tapan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading domestic and export drugmaker, said, raw materials and machinery worth at least Tk 8 crore were destroyed in the Dhaka airport fire. He said it will take seven to eight months more to manufacture the drugs by importing the same raw materials again. 

 "Overall, the affected factories will have to delay production for at least two months because of the loss of raw materials and intermediary goods at the airport," said Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Md Zakir Hossain, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, said 32 pharmaceutical companies have reported losses of around Tk 200 crore. Total losses of the sector are likely to rise once assessments are complete.  

According to BGMEA, around 901 garment factories have reported losses estimated at $10 million (Tk 122 crore), with damages expected to rise. Apparel makers warn that missed export deadlines ahead of the Christmas season could result in cancelled orders and shrinking profit margins. 

At a press conference in Dhaka on 20th October, Showkat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) said, "Our textile and garment sectors are being targeted. Setting fires at the airport undermines Bangladesh's reputation abroad and threatens our commitments to international partners." 

Industry leaders, including the Exporters Association of Bangladesh, estimate total losses could reach $1 billion. Exporters have urged stricter safety measures and faster insurance settlements, warning that the incident could impact Bangladesh’s global trade reputation.