Dhaka, Oct. 21 -- The massive fire that broke out at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has inflicted severe losses on Bangladesh's pharmaceutical and export sectors, raising urgent questions about safety and preparedness at one of the country's most critical trade hubs.

"the blaze destroyed raw materials of pharmaceuticals worth at least Tk 200 crore," said Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Exporters' Association of Bangladesh (EAB) at a hotel in the capital on Monday, he noted that out of 307 pharmaceutical companies in the country, 250 are currently operational.

"By 11 am on Monday, th...