‘Fire service to be transformed into world-class institution’
Industries, Commerce, Textiles, and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has stated that a collective effort is required to transform the Fire Service and Civil Defence into a world-class institution.
He emphasised the need to enhance service capacity while ensuring that the general public can access services easily and at the expected standard.
He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony for the construction of the Sylhet Sadar Fire Service and Civil Defence Station held at Taltala in Sylhet city on Tuesday.
The Minister further noted that the government is actively working to make the Fire Service’s delivery processes simpler, more transparent, and more effective. To this end, the government has established a committee; as its chairperson, he is overseeing efforts to improve service quality and streamline operational procedures.
He remarked that to keep pace with the modern world, the quality of civic amenities and services must also be upgraded. Given that a large number of people from Sylhet are engaged in various sectors both within the country and abroad, it is essential to ensure that the city’s residents have access to modern, high-quality services.
He pointed out that in three years, Bangladesh will graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In line with this transition, the nation must enhance its civic services and infrastructural capabilities. As the population and settlement density in Sylhet continue to rise, the demand for modern civic services grows accordingly.
The Minister highlighted that hundreds of thousands of people from Sylhet and the surrounding region reside abroad and are well-acquainted with the civic amenities and services available in other parts of the world. It is, therefore, unacceptable for a city like Sylhet to lack civic services that meet the expected standards.
Consequently, priority must be given to developing the necessary infrastructure to build a modern and safe city.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stressed that the construction of the Sylhet Sadar Fire Service and Civil Defence Station must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The target to complete the project within 15 months must not be compromised in any way, as the safety of the entire community depends on it.
He noted that members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence operate in highly hazardous environments to protect human lives and property, sometimes even sacrificing their own lives in the line of duty. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude for their hard work, dedication, and self-sacrifice.
Speaking as a special guest at the event, Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury stated that the Fire Service and Civil Defence play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the nation’s citizens. Members of this force frequently take significant risks to safeguard lives and property during fires and various other disasters.
He mentioned that the Fire Service began its operations around 1939-40 and played a significant role during the Second World War. Later, in 1981, the integration of Civil Defence further expanded the scope of the organisation’s activities.
The SCC Administrator emphasised that in today’s urban landscape-encompassing commercial buildings, factories, and residential areas-the importance of the Fire Service and Civil Defence is immense. During major fire incidents across the country, personnel from the Fire Service have consistently been at the forefront, with many even losing their lives while performing their duties.
He stressed the importance of enhancing the dynamism of Fire Service operations in Sylhet. The establishment of this new, modern facility will significantly strengthen emergency safety services for the city’s residents. As the city administration, we view this as a crucial initiative toward ensuring the safety of the people of Sylhet.
At the beginning of the event, the chief guest and other attendees inaugurated the construction of the modern Fire Service station by unveiling a commemorative plaque. The ceremony concluded with a monajat (prayer).
Presided over by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, the event also featured addresses by Lt. Col. M A Azad Anwar, Director (Training, Planning, and Development) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, and Kazi Wasif Ahmad, Additional Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (Sylhet Region).
The event was attended by Sylhet Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossain and General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qais Lodi, Jalalabad Gas Director Badruzzaman Selim, as well as various officials, political leaders, and other prominent figures.
