On August 10, 2026, the Dhaka Division of the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) convened a meeting with key stakeholders to bolster coordinated firefighting and rescue operations in response to a potential major earthquake. The gathering, which took place at the Fire Service Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Mirpur, aimed to strengthen contingency planning, training, and the mobilisation of heavy equipment such as cranes and excavators.
Key Discussions and Proposals
During the meeting, participants from various districts, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Manikganj, Munshiganj, and Narsingdi, deliberated on strategies to improve emergency response. The Director (Operations and Maintenance), Lt Col Md Mahmudul Hasan, who attended as the chief guest, emphasised the need for better coordination among stakeholders. He suggested the formation of an “Emergency Equipment Support Team,” comprising owners and operators of heavy rescue equipment, to ensure a swift response during earthquakes.
Stakeholder Commitment
Approximately 70 representatives from public and private sectors participated in the meeting. They pledged their support for national disaster response efforts and committed to joint training exercises, drills, and enhanced communication among all parties involved. This collaborative approach is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue operations in the event of an earthquake.
Future Plans and Training
The meeting concluded with a call for regular joint training sessions and drills to prepare all stakeholders for earthquake emergencies. These exercises will help ensure that all parties are well-coordinated and can respond promptly and effectively to any disaster scenario.
