Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- A series of major fire incidents in key installations across the country over the past five days has triggered widespread fear and speculation among the general people, with many expressing suspicion that the blazes may be acts of sabotage aimed at destabilising the country ahead of the upcoming national elections.

The latest and most alarming of these incidents occurred on Saturday afternoon at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, where a massive fire broke out at the Cargo Village near Gate No. 8, forcing the suspension of all flight operations.

According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, 37 firefighting units, supported by members of the Bangladesh Army, Air Force, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB),...