Home minister orders expansion of fire service facilities nationwide

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced a series of initiatives to expand and strengthen Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) facilities across the country, including the establishment of new fire stations in 27 upazilas and permanent units at key national installations.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with FSCD officials at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday, the minister said separate development projects would be undertaken to set up fire stations in 27 upazilas that currently lack such facilities.

He added that the projects would also include the creation of necessary posts to ensure proper staffing and operational readiness.

Salahuddin, also a Standing Committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), directed officials to identify suitable locations for fire stations in commercially important upazila hubs.

He noted that several upazilas have emerged as significant business centres in recent years, making it essential to enhance fire safety coverage to protect lives and property.

The home minister further announced plans to establish permanent FSCD units at all international airports, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, and other vital installations. The move follows the recent devastating fire at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which highlighted the need for round-the-clock emergency preparedness at critical sites.

He said directives have already been issued to construct permanent fire service establishments and create required manpower to ensure continuous readiness. Specialised fire stations will also be built in Economic Processing Zones (EPZs) and Rohingya camps to strengthen emergency response capacity.

Responding to a query, the minister said recruitment for 250 vacant posts of firefighters and drivers would be completed through the regular hiring process.

He expressed hope that the expanded infrastructure and manpower would significantly enhance the country’s fire safety and disaster response capabilities.