The Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate plans to train citizens nationwide on fire prevention through simulations while emphasizing the use of fire-fighting robots, drones, and GPS technology. A specialized facility is being constructed in Gazaria, Munshiganj, under the management of KOICA, according to Fire Service Media Chief Shahjahan Shikder.
He shared this during a fire safety and first aid training workshop for members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
At the event’s opening, Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Operations and Maintenance) of the Fire Service, highlighted the increased frequency of fires during winter due to dry weather. He called for greater public awareness, noting that negligence often causes fire incidents. “Firefighters are always prepared and leave for the incident site within 30 seconds of receiving a call, but traffic congestion often delays their arrival,” he added.
Saleh Uddin, Deputy Director of the Fire Service’s Dhaka Division, pointed out the challenges of insufficient water sources, as many canals, ponds, and reservoirs in Dhaka have been filled in, making fire control difficult.
The day-long workshop, hosted by Media Chief and trainer Shahjahan Shikder, included practical demonstrations on fire prevention, control techniques, and safety measures. Forty DRU members participated, and speakers included DRU Joint Secretary Md. Mizanur Rahman and IT and Training Secretary Rashim Molla.
Mizanur Rahman emphasized the need for district and sub-district seminars to raise awareness and urged the Fire Service to be more proactive. Rashim Molla called for expanding such training programs to include all DRU members and journalists across the country to enhance fire safety awareness.
Other attendees included DRU Office Secretary Rafique Rafi, Women Affairs Secretary Mahmuda Dolly, Publicity Secretary Sushanta Saha, Sports Secretary Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Welfare Secretary Tanvir Ahmed, and Executive Members Rafique Mridha, Delwar Hossain Mohin, and Md. Shariful Islam.
