A fire broke out at the Balaka Lounge in the departure terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka late Friday night, causing panic among people at the lounge and nearby areas.

The fire originated in the kitchen of the Balaka Lounge due to an electrical fault. However, lounge staff quickly brought the blaze under control using fire extinguishers before it could spread or cause major damage.

The incident occurred at around 1:40am on Saturday (7 August) in the kitchen of the lounge.

Soon after the fire broke out, lounge employees rushed to the spot and extinguished the flames. No major damage was reported.

Witnesses said they suddenly noticed smoke inside the lounge, and the area was quickly filled with smoke. Panic spread among those present, with many people moving to safer areas.

According to reports, the fire originated from a cable in the lounge kitchen and spread briefly. Members of the Fire Service unit stationed inside the airport also went to the scene and helped bring the situation under control. Passenger services at the Balaka Lounge were temporarily suspended during the incident.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Airport Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Abdul Qayyum confirmed the incident around 4am, saying a small fire broke out in the kitchen of the Balaka Lounge due to an electrical fault.

He said lounge staff immediately used fire extinguishers to put out the fire.

The Balaka Lounge is a passenger waiting and resting facility at the departure terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. It offers various facilities, including food and beverages, seating arrangements and waiting areas.