Dhaka, Oct. 21 -- The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has dealt a severe blow to Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry, with an estimated economic impact of more than Tk 40 billion.

Industry leaders fear the blaze could disrupt the production of life-saving medicines, including antibiotics, cancer drugs, diabetes treatments, and vaccines.

The Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) said that around 45 leading drug manufacturers have reported losses so far, with raw materials and machinery worth Tk 2.0 billion destroyed in the fire.

The association warned that the damage could have far-reaching consequences for medicine production and future supply stability.

The ...