20 new stations, 100 ambulances coming to increase fire service capacity: Home Minister
Work is underway to build and reconstruct 20 new fire stations to increase the capacity of fire service and civil defense to deal with fires and accidents across the country, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. At the same time, the process of procuring 100 new ambulances to expand emergency medical services is also underway, he said. He gave this information at the ‘Fire Service Week-2026’, medal distribution and passing out parade organized at Purbachal Multipurpose Training Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday (May 19).
The Home Minister said that services are currently being provided through 538 fire stations across the country. However, this number is still insufficient compared to the population and urbanization. Therefore, initiatives have been taken to build and reconstruct new stations considering the public importance. He said that a proposal to create 72 new posts has recently been approved to increase the capacity of the diving unit. Once the manpower recruitment is completed, the fire service will be able to work more efficiently in boat accidents and water rescue operations.
Describing the Fire Service as a ‘symbol of speed, service and sacrifice’, Salahuddin Ahmed said that the members of this force work to protect the lives and property of people by risking their lives during disasters and accidents. Their professionalism and bravery in various fires, road accidents and natural disasters have earned the trust of the people.
The Home Minister further said that a proposal to restructure the organogram to increase the number of members of the Fire Service to more than 30,000 is also under consideration. In addition, an initiative has been taken to establish a Fire Service and Civil Defense Academy in Gazaria, Munshiganj to modernize the training system of the force.
He said that in 2025, the members of the Fire Service brought 27,059 fires under control and saved assets worth about Tk 3,263 crore. At the same time, 9,266 injured and 1,038 dead persons were rescued in 7,815 road accidents. In addition, 10,480 patients were taken to hospitals through ambulance services. As part of the awareness program, about 15,000 public relations, more than 2,000 building surveys and 10,533 buildings have been inspected. In addition, more than 2,56,000 people have been trained in fire safety.
The Home Minister said, “The members of this force are not only extinguishing fires, but also working tirelessly alongside people in any disaster. Their sacrifice and professionalism are truly commendable.” In recognition of their heroic work, the Home Minister presented medals to 20 officers and employees of the fire brigade and civil defense forces at the event.
A three-day nationwide awareness program has also been announced on the occasion of Fire Fighting Week-2026, which started with the theme ‘Firefighters have one goal, we will protect property and lives’. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury was present as a special guest at the event. The program was presided over by Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal, Director General of the Department of Fire and Civil Defense. Narayanganj-1 MP Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu was also present at the program.
