The government is working to strengthen the capacity and capability of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday.
He noted that the fire service currently operates through 538 stations nationwide, which is insufficient compared to demand.
In line with the government’s election manifesto, various development plans have been undertaken for the Fire Service and Civil Defence, he added.
The minister was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of Fire Service and Civil Defence Week 2026, medal distribution and parade at the training ground in Dhaka’s Purbachal in the morning.
Projects are underway to construct and reconstruct 20 fire stations, and work is ongoing to procure 100 ambulances to expand ambulance services, he informed.
To enhance diving capacity, approval has been given to create 72 posts, which once implemented will strengthen the force’s ability to respond to waterway accidents, he said.
He added that proposals are under consideration to restructure the organogram to increase the number of fire stations and expand membership to over 30,000.
A Fire Service and Civil Defence Academy is also being established in Gazaria, Munshiganj to improve training standards.
The minister said online e‑fire license services were launched on 1 May 2026 to ensure transparency, accountability and ease of service. Alongside boosting institutional capacity, the government is also working to improve benefits for fire service officers and staff. Several proposals are under review for coordination and upgradation with other forces and government departments.
Construction is underway on two multi‑storey residential buildings for officers and staff in Mirpur and Sadarghat, Dhaka, as well as a headquarters building in Mirpur.
He added that the government is considering introducing a special “Fire and Rescue Allowance” and fresh money benefits for members.
At the start of the programme, the minister formally inaugurated Fire Service and Civil Defence Week 2026, inspected the passing‑out parade and received the salute.
The minister awarded medals to 84 officers and employees of Fire Service and Civil Defence in recognition of their multifaceted acts of bravery — 34 from 2023 and 50 from 2024.
The programme was chaired by Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal NDC, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defence. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury spoke as special guest. Narayanganj‑1 MP Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu was also present.
