The devastating fire that gutted the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport likely originated in the import courier area, said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq today.

He shared the initial findings during a press briefing at the Caab headquarters in Kurmitola this morning.

"We have so far seen that the fire appears to have started from the import courier section, but the incident is under investigation by several teams who will determine the exact cause," said the Caab chairman.

He said the fire spread rapidly due to the large volume of stored goods in the area, but prompt action by the Fire Service and airport authorities prevented any damage to aircraft or the main terminal building.

Mostafa said the airport's fire response team acted within 30 seconds, after which the Fire Service and Bangladesh Navy joined the operation.

A lot of rumours are being spread regarding the fire incident at the import cargo complex which must be avoided in the greater interest of the country, he added.

He said, "The intensity of the fire was high because of the presence of flammable materials. That is why the fire could not be brought under control in the initial stage."

Answering another question, he said, "No fire-fighting vehicle was obstructed from entering. Neither the Fire Service nor any other agency has claimed that their vehicles were delayed in entering the site."

The Caab chief said although the airports have fire-fighting capabilities under the Civil Aviation Authority, there is still a need to further enhance them.

"I won't say that we lack capability, but it needs to be strengthened further."