In a significant move to bolster emergency response capabilities, the government has unveiled plans to expand the Fire Service and Civil Defence network to more than 900 fire stations across the country. This initiative aims to enhance coverage in underserved and remote areas, ensuring quicker and more effective responses to emergencies.
Modernization and Expansion Efforts
Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal announced that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to transform the agency into a modern, technology-driven emergency service. Currently, Bangladesh operates 538 fire stations, with 20 new and reconstructed stations already under implementation.
The ongoing projects include the construction of 12 new fire stations in Dhaka, Gazipur, Cumilla, Noakhali, Feni, Jashore, Kushtia, Habiganj, and Jamalpur, alongside the reconstruction of eight existing stations in Madaripur, Cumilla, Noakhali, Naogaon, Pabna, Sylhet, and Mymensingh.
Enhanced Capabilities and Technological Integration
As part of its modernization drive, the Fire Service is procuring 100 fire and rescue ambulances, constructing a new earthquake-resistant headquarters in Mirpur, and developing residential facilities for personnel in Mirpur and Sadarghat. The agency has also strengthened its operational capacity with advanced firefighting and rescue equipment, including a 68-metre turntable ladder, remote-controlled firefighting vehicles, hydraulic rescue tools, and search-vision cameras.
Plans are underway to introduce firefighting drones, further enhancing the agency's capabilities. The modernization of the emergency dispatch system through the Emergency Response Control Centre (ERCC) enables nationwide monitoring and coordination. Citizens can access fire services via the dedicated 102 hotline or the national emergency number 999.
The Fire Service has upgraded its training infrastructure by relocating its training complex to a larger site in Purbachal. Authorities are also planning to establish a world-class Fire Academy in Gazaria, with land acquisition already completed. Specialized training programmes now cover chemical incidents, collapsed-building rescue, water rescue, and emergency response for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with personnel receiving international training.
To improve transparency and public services, the agency launched an online e-Fire Licence system on May 1, streamlining the licensing process. Director (Training, Planning and Development) Lt Col M A Azad Anwar mentioned that a proposal is under consideration to restructure the Fire Service's organisational framework and increase its workforce to more than 30,000 personnel, in line with the planned expansion of fire stations.
