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Modernisation of fire safety management stressed

Staff Correspondent
25 Nov 2022 00:00:00 | Update: 25 Nov 2022 01:12:18
Modernisation of fire safety management stressed
Guests inaugurate the 8th International Fire, Safety & Security Expo at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Thursday – Courtesy Photo

Speakers at an event on Thursday urged the government to take the necessary initiative to modernise fire safety management in the country to safeguard people’s lives and assets.

The call was made at the inaugural ceremony of the 8th International Fire, Safety & Security Expo (IFSSE) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka.

Organised by the Electronics Safety & Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) and co-partnered by Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD), the three-day-long expo aims to showcase new firefighting technology and create awareness among people of the country.

Emphasising the importance of fire safety in industrialisation, the event’s chief guest Planning Minister MA Mannan said, “Bangladesh is moving forwards. Different Industries are also being set up in the country. Modern fire safety equipment is necessary here.”

While delivering the welcoming speech, ESSAB President Zahir Uddin Babar said fake products are hampering their sector, adding, “To ensure quality products, and latest technology on fire safety in the country, we are arranging the expo,”

He also said that the government has a responsibility to save people from fire casualties so monitoring cell is needed to scrutinize the fire safety equipment at buildings across the country.

Addressing the event as the guest of honour, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin said, “Local industries should come forward to manufacture fire safety equipment to save reserve.”

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan in his speech highlighted the measures taken in the garments industry for developed fire safety management.

Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD) Brig Gen Md Main Uddin said there is not enough modern fire safety technology in the country.

“Public-private partnership and community-based engagement are needed to reduce fire incidents in the country,” he added.

According to BFSCD, a total of 86,390 fire incidents occurred in the last four years in the country.

Of them, 21,601 incidents happened in 2021 when 219 died and 576 were injured, 21,073 incidents in 2020 when 154 died and 317 were injured, 24,074 incidents in 2019 when 184 died and 560 were injured, and 19,642 incidents in 2018 when 217 died and 1,488 were injured.

More than 160 globally renowned and leading brands from over 30 countries took part in the expo, which will remain open for all from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm.

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