Exporters have demanded stronger safety measures at the cargo zone of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, blaming inadequate safety standards for the massive fire on Saturday that burned imported goods.

International clothing retailers and brands have expressed concern over the fire, said Mohammad Hatem, president of the Exporters Association of Bangladesh (EAB), at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka today.

Md Zakir Hossain, secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, said 32 pharmaceutical companies have so far reported losses of about Tk 200 crore from the incident.

The overall losses of the pharmaceutical sector will be much higher once the assessment is complete, he added.

Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the incident.

Exporters have commitments to their international partners, and such incidents tarnish the country's image abroad, Russell said.

Losses in the accessories sector have already crossed Tk 23 crore as companies continue to file damage reports, said Md Shahriar, president of the Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association, at the event.

Exporters estimated that total losses from the fire could reach around $1 billion once full assessments are completed.