CAAB warns ministry over Biman’s fire safety lapses

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has informed the ministry that Biman Bangladesh Airlines failed to comply with fire safety requirements for import and export cargo handling, a concern highlighted after a fire broke out at the cargo village on Friday night – the second such incident in seven months.
The issue came up at a CAAB meeting on fire safety held on 29 March, chaired by CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq.
According to sources, discussions focused on Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ compliance with fire safety measures.
Participants at the meeting told the Daily Sun that after the major fire at the cargo village in October last year, Biman resumed cargo handling operations in Portion B but failed to meet required fire safety standards.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), at least one 5kg fire extinguisher is required for every 1,000 square feet of space. As Portion B covers approximately 43,000 square feet, it should have at least 43 fire extinguishers. 
However, CAAB found that Biman had not ensured the required number of extinguishers.
CAAB inspections also found no dedicated fire safety personnel on site despite repeated visits, although adequate fire safety staffing is mandatory.
Another major concern raised by CAAB was Biman’s alleged failure to follow protocols for handling dangerous goods, including chemicals.
The authority included these observations in its letter to the ministry.
A CAAB official said it was “deeply disappointing” that despite a major fire incident, Biman continued to show negligence in complying with fire safety protocols. Contacted, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat denied making any comment on this issue.
Meeting at CAAB
A three-hour meeting was held at CAAB headquarters on Sunday following Friday’s fire.
Representatives from CAAB, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the Dhaka Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, and other stakeholders attended the meeting.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat were also present.
However, no briefing was given to journalists after the meeting regarding the decisions taken.