Dhaka: The Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) convened a seminar of its 'Permanent Expert Panel' today, gathering leading engineers, architects, disaster experts, academics, and media representatives to address earthquake and fire preparedness strategies.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, FSCD Director General (DG) Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal inaugurated the event, initiating discussions on the current capabilities of the fire service and efforts to enhance earthquake response measures. Experts brought attention to the shortages in fire stations and manpower when compared to other Asian and developed nations. They recommended expanding capacity based on risk assessments, installing fire brigade connections at all WASA pump stations, and ensuring that all fire stations are built to withstand earthquakes.
Further suggestions included utilizing the lower floors of government buildings as fire stations in areas where land is limited. The seminar also advocated for increasing the number of volunteers, conducting regular refresher courses, organizing multi-agency mock exercises, establishing a dedicated fire academy, enhancing media involvement, incorporating disaster awareness in educational curricula, relocating chemical warehouses from residential zones, and continuing nationwide drills to improve preparedness.
The discussions saw active participation from senior academics, former fire service chiefs, engineers, and media representatives, with divisional and district fire officials joining online. The seminar concluded with a consensus that the expert panel will play a crucial role in research, consultation, and policy formulation to ensure public safety across the nation.
Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury presented the keynote paper, highlighting the significance of the seminar's recommendations for future disaster preparedness strategies.