An ICT-based smart Emergency Response Control Center (ERCC) supported by the Korean government through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA ) is expected to begin its operation in Dhaka early next year. The project titled “Strengthening Ability of Fire Emergency Response (SAFER)” was launched in December 2019 with the participation of a group of Korean experts with a total project cost of US$ 8.35 million. The project is expected to reduce the fire risks and human and economic loss by strengthening Bangladesh’s fire and disaster emergency response ability, said the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka on Monday. Read more: It’s my strong hope to see free, fair election in Bangladesh: Ambassador Naoki While there was some delay in the project’s progress due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the first smart Emergency Response Control Center in Bangladesh is in its final stage.