Dhaka: The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the country's Fire Service and Civil Defence network to more than 900 fire stations, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities across underserved and remote areas. Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal made the disclosure while talking to BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the expansion is part of a broader strategy to transform the agency into a modern, technology-driven emergency service. Bangladesh currently operates 538 fire stations, with 20 new and reconstructed stations already under implementation. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the work, which includes 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.
As part of its modernization drive, the Fire Service is also 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 strengthened its operational capacity with advanced firefighting and rescue equipment, including one of the world's tallest 68-meter turntable ladders, remote-controlled firefighting vehicles, hydraulic rescue tools, and search-vision cameras. Plans are also underway to introduce firefighting drones.
Bangladesh has modernized its emergency dispatch system through the Emergency Response Control Centre (ERCC), enabling nationwide monitoring and coordination. Citizens can access fire services through the dedicated 102 hotline or the national emergency number 999. The Fire Service has also upgraded its training infrastructure by relocating its training complex to a larger site in Purbachal. Authorities are planning to establish a world-class Fire Academy in Gazaria, with land acquisition already completed.
Specialized training programs now cover chemical incidents, collapsed-building rescue, water rescue, and emergency response for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, while personnel are also 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.
Meanwhile, Director (Training, Planning, and Development) Lt Col M A Azad Anwar told BSS that a proposal is under consideration to restructure the Fire Service's organizational framework and increase its workforce to more than 30,000 personnel, in line with the planned expansion of fire stations. Officials noted that rapid urbanization, high-rise construction, industrial growth, and the increasing presence of chemical facilities have heightened fire and disaster risks in Bangladesh, requiring a stronger and more technologically advanced emergency response force.
Beyond firefighting, the Fire Service now plays a critical role in responding to road accidents, building collapses, earthquakes, floods, water rescues, and hazardous material incidents. Authorities said continued investment in modern equipment, digital communication systems, and skilled personnel is essential to meet the country's growing emergency response needs.