Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Zunaid has assumed charge as director general of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department.
He officially took over responsibilities from outgoing director general Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal on 12 October 2026. Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal has returned to the Bangladesh Army after completing a tenure of 2 years and 10 days as director general.
Farewell ceremony and handover
Earlier in the day at 9am, the outgoing director general, accompanied by the newly appointed director general, planted a tree sapling at Jolshiri Fire Station in Narayanganj in the presence of departmental officials.
Subsequently at 11am, the “Director General’s Farewell Darbar” was held at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department. The ceremony was attended in person by the outgoing director general, the newly appointed director general, directors of the department, project directors, managing director of the Welfare Trust, principal of the Training Complex, and officers of various levels of the department.
In addition, divisional deputy directors, assistant directors, and officers and employees of various ranks from different divisions and districts across the country joined the event online.
At 12pm, an “Officers’ Address” programme was organised in the conference room of the department, where officers delivered speeches reminiscing about the career of the outgoing director general.
In his speech, outgoing director general Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal shared various experiences and memories from his tenure in the Fire Service and Civil Defence, recalled the sincerity, dedication, and cooperation of the officers and employees, and expressed gratitude for their support during his service.
Following the ceremony, the outgoing director general officially handed over charge to the newly appointed director general in his office.
After completing handover formalities, he signed the department’s inspection book, met officers and staff of all levels for a farewell interaction, and departed from the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters.
Commitment to public safety and service
After assuming charge, newly appointed director general Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Zunaid, addressed officers at 4:00 pm. He stressed the proper discharge of responsibilities assigned to the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
He outlined his expectations regarding the protection of public life and property, ensuring fire safety, responding rapidly to accidents and disasters, and enhancing professional skill and coordination in rescue operations.
He also expressed his commitment to further improving the quality of public service through the collective efforts of the institution’s officers and employees.
Earlier, on 22 September 2026, the Ministry of Public Administration issued an order regarding the appointment of Brig Gen Sultanul Afreen Zunaid as director general of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department and the repatriation of Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal to the Bangladesh Army. The news was released by the Fire Service Media Cell.
