A probe committee has formally begun investigating the fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), focusing on how the blaze originated, spread, and whether negligence or sabotage was involved.

Sources in the investigation committee confirmed the development to The Daily Star on Monday night.

A five-member probe body formed by the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has already visited the site, while a 21-member CID Crime Scene Unit collected 21 types of physical evidence for forensic analysis.

Jasim Uddin Khan, special superintendent of CID, said samples would be analysed to determine the cause of the fire and whether chemicals that could intensify flames were present.

The Fire Service committee, headed by Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director (operation and maintenance), has been tasked with submitting its report within 15 working days. Contacted Monday night, he told The Daily Star, "We have started our investigation. Allow us some time; we may disclose the details soon."

A committee member requesting anonymity said they would examine all allegations, interview officials, and assess whether the warehouse's firefighting system functioned properly. "There will be no loopholes in the inquiry, and the committee will also make recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future," the member said.

Meanwhile, a Russian delegation inspected the site after reports that equipment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant had been damaged in the blaze.

On Sunday night, Biman Bangladesh Airlines filed a general diary (GD) with the Airport Police Station over the incident. Taslima Akter, officer-in-charge at the Airport Police Station, confirmed the filing, saying police would assist investigators as required.

During a visit to the site, this correspondent found importers, clearing and forwarding agents, and other affected businessmen gathering around the cargo village area. The burned warehouse remained cordoned off by security personnel, while a fire service vehicle and a few staff members were seen inside.

An emergency meeting at the Customs House conference room yesterday decided that the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) would designate a temporary storage area for import cargo and courier goods. Authorities also plan to open the burned warehouse to stakeholders tomorrow to inspect undamaged goods.

The fire, which broke out around 2:30pm on Saturday, raged for nearly 27 hours before it was fully extinguished at 4:55pm Sunday. Thirty-seven units from 13 fire stations, joined by the air force, navy, army, Civil Aviation Authority, Border Guard Bangladesh, and police, worked together to bring the blaze under control.