Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government is actively working to enhance the capacity and capability of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department. This commitment was highlighted during the ‘Fire Service and Civil Defense Week, Medal Distribution, and Passing Out Parade-2026’ held at the Fire Service and Civil Defense Multipurpose Training Ground in Purbachal, Dhaka, where Ahmed served as the chief guest.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event was presided over by Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal, ndc, the Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, and Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-1 constituency, were also in attendance.
The Minister emphasized that the current infrastructure, comprising 538 fire stations across the country, is inadequate to meet the growing demand. Consequently, the government has initiated several development plans as part of its electoral manifesto. Ongoing projects include the construction and reconstruction of 20 fire stations, and the procurement of 100 ambulances aims to enhance emergency response services.
Furthermore, a proposal to create 72 new diver positions has been approved to improve response capabilities for waterway accidents. An organizational restructure is also under consideration to increase the number of fire stations and expand the workforce to over 30,000 personnel. The establishment of a Fire Service and Civil Defense Academy in Gazaria, Munshiganj, is part of efforts to enhance training quality.
The Minister highlighted the launch of an online-based ‘E-Fire License’ service on May 1, 2026, to improve service transparency and accountability. He assured that the government is focused on enhancing benefits and facilities for Fire Service officials, including proposals for rank and benefit upgrades in alignment with other forces and departments.
To address housing needs, construction projects for two multi-storey residential buildings are underway in Mirpur and Sadarghat, Dhaka, along with the development of a new Headquarters building in Mirpur, Dhaka. The introduction of a special “Fire and Rescue Allowance” and fresh money allowance for force members is also being reviewed.
During the event, the Minister inaugurated “Fire Service and Civil Defense Week 2026,” inspected the passing out parade, and received a salute. A total of 234 personnel, including Station Officers, Staff Officers, Firefighters, Nursing Attendants, Drivers, and Divers, participated in the parade.
To honor their heroic deeds, medals were awarded to 84 officials and employees of the Fire Service and Civil Defense, recognizing 34 individuals for 2023 and 50 individuals for 2024.