Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government is actively working to enhance the capacity and capability of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department.
The Minister said this as the chief guest at the 'Fire Service and Civil Defense Week, Medal Distribution, and Passing Out Parade-2026' held this morning at the Fire Service and Civil Defense Multipurpose Training Ground in Purbachal, Dhaka.
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The Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department, Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal, ndc, presided over the ceremony, while Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, spoke as the special guest. Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-1 constituency, was also present.
The Minister noted that the Fire Service currently provides services through 538 fire stations across the country, which is insufficient considering the present demand. In light of this, the present government has undertaken various development plans for the Fire Service and Civil Defense in line with its electoral manifesto. He mentioned that the construction and reconstruction of 20 fire stations are currently underway.
Additionally, the procurement of 100 ambulances is in progress to expand ambulance services. Furthermore, to enhance the capacity of divers, a proposal to create 72 posts has been approved, which, once implemented, will further strengthen the department's capability to respond to waterway accidents.
He added that a proposal to restructure the organogram of the Fire Service is under consideration to increase the number of fire stations and expand the workforce to over 30,000 as per the plan. To improve training quality, initiatives have also been taken to establish a Fire Service and Civil Defense Academy in Gazaria, Munshiganj.
The Minister further stated that an online-based 'E-Fire License' service was launched on May 1, 2026, to ensure transparency and accountability in fire service delivery. He emphasized that alongside boosting the capability of this public-important institution, the current government is committed to increasing the benefits and facilities for Fire Service officials and employees. Several proposals regarding the upgrading of ranks and benefits for the members of this force, in coordination with other forces and government departments, are under consideration.
The Minister added that to address the housing issues of the force, construction projects for two multi-storey residential buildings are ongoing in Mirpur and Sadarghat, Dhaka, along with the construction of the Headquarters building in Mirpur, Dhaka. Moreover, decisions
regarding the provision of a special "Fire and Rescue Allowance" and fresh money allowance for the members of the force will be finalized after proper review and examination.
At the beginning of the event, the Minister formally inaugurated "Fire Service and Civil Defense Week 2026." He inspected the passing out parade and received the salute.
A total of 234 personnel participated in the passing out parade, including 12 Station Officer and Staff Officers, 158 Firefighters, 2 Nursing Attendants, 56 Drivers, and 6 Divers.
In recognition of their multidimensional heroic deeds, the Minister handed over medals to 84 officials and employees of the Fire Service and Civil Defense. The recipients included 34 individuals for the year 2023 and 50 individuals for 2024.