Construction of fire stations in each upazila is in the final stage: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said that the construction of one fire service and civil defense station in each upazila of the country is nearing completion.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the concluding parade of the 41st Batch Officers Foundation Course at the Mirpur Fire Service Training Complex in the capital on Sunday (September 26).

The parade was presided over by the Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defense (DG) Brigadier General. Sajjad Hossain.

According to fire service sources, the concluding parade was held on the recommendation of the BCS non-cadre before the deployment of a total of 44 officers, including station officers who joined the fire service department. Through long 11 months of training, they are trained to lead in all disasters. In the concluding ceremony, out of 44 officers, three were selected on the basis of their physical aptitude, intelligence, etiquette, discipline, manners, written test, practical and oral test. Sheikh Tariqul Islam was elected 1st chowk, Khandaker Mirajul was elected 2nd chowk and Silton Ahmed was elected 3rd chowk. The Home Minister presented medals to the selected smart officers.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister said the work of setting up at least one fire station in each upazila of the country is now in the final stage.

"Before we took power, there were only 204 fire stations in the country," he said. There are now 456 fire stations across the country. When the ongoing projects are completed, the number of fire stations will be 575 and the number of manpower will increase to 18,000.

He said, "We have started the work of restructuring the organizational structure of the fire service to increase the manpower to 25,000 as per the directive of the Prime Minister." The Fire Service and Civil Defense are no longer the previous fire brigade. We have enhanced the capacity of the fire service by enriching it in all aspects. This organization is now engaged in multidisciplinary services. Various activities are being implemented to streamline the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department.

He added that like other countries in the world, Bangladesh is constantly changing the picture of disasters and accidents. Disasters are appearing before us in new characters. In this naturally disaster prone country, you always have to do such work to alleviate the disaster. Similarly, with the power of innovative thinking, the damage caused by accidents should be limited.

The Home Minister said, "We hope that the fire service personnel will retain the trained knowledge." Sharpen it through regular practice. Another thing to keep in mind all the time is that it is an orderly department in uniform. In each case, they have seized it, despite obstacles we can scarcely imagine. "

Addressing the participants of the concluding parade of the 41st Batch Officers Foundation course, he said, "You will be the main driving force of the fire service in the days to come." I hope you will play a leading role in enhancing the reputation and prestige of this department with good mindset and disciplined behavior.

He added that the confidence and acceptability of the fire service has increased among all quarters of the country. The dedication with which the members of the fire service have risked their lives in some of the most horrific accidents in recent times has been appreciated by all the people of the country. The recognition and respect for your work in the eyes of the common man - it must be retained and gradually promoted to a more dignified place. You will always be sincere and dedicated in enhancing the image and prestige of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department as a service oriented organization.

The Home Minister said that 100 acres of land has been taken in Gazaria of Munshiganj to set up 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Fire Academy'. Earlier, the organization did not have the capacity to carry out firefighting and rescue work on the 10-storey building. We have raised this capacity to 20 floors. Next year, 5 8-meter turntable ladders will be added to the fleet. Then this capacity will be upgraded to 22 floors.

Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that risk allowance has been given, full ration unit has been introduced, 3-color dignified combat clothing has been introduced, number of state medals and honors have been increased and salary grade of 5 posts including firefighters and officers has been increased. By continuing this process of increasing work capacity and facilities, we will turn the force into a world-class service force.

Anwarul Haque, Deputy Assistant Director of the Directorate, acted as the parade commander at the parade. Parade Adjutant was Warehouse Inspector Nazim Uddin Sarkar. Junior Instructor Shamim Ahmed led the flag-bearing team, Parade Adjutant led the 1st contingent and Station Officer Zillur Rahman led the second contingent.

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