DHAKA, Feb 20, 2024 (BSS)-The 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo -2024 concluded here today with a focus on bolstering the nation's fire safety measures and aimed to reduce fire risks, utilize modern equipment for safety and raise public awareness.

On its final day, the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) honored 13 organizations for their efforts in enhancing fire safety across residential, industrial and commercial buildings.

Additionally, 5 individuals were also recognized for their brave actions in firefighting and rescue missions.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal graced the closing ceremony as chief guest.

In his speech, the Home Minister said that the country’s industry has now turned around as fire safety and security compliance as well as awareness has been increased after some fire incidents.

He said, “We will improve training of fire service personnel, build civil defense which is our government’s ultimate goal.”

The Home Minister also said, “We’ve already created 44,000 volunteers, so that they can play a crucial role in putting out fires before the fire service personnel arrive on the premises. Fire service officials are cautious and active to reduce such events by increasing experience from previous fire incidents.”

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh said, "We need a collective effort to ensure the fire safety."

The building code must be followed during the construction of the building. Along with the government, it is important for the entrepreneurs to be aware of this, he added.

Tapan also urged all concerned to be aware of fire safety even if it is to evaluate people's lives.

 Md. Niaz Ali Chisty, President, ESSAB in his welcome remarks highlighted the significance of prioritizing fire safety amidst Bangladesh's economic growth.

He invited the Foreign Investors to invest in Bangladesh. The ESSAB President said, The participation of more than 100 organizations from 30 countries, more than 15,000 local and foreign visitors, and 3000 attendants in the seminars proved that the awareness among the people about fire safety is increasing.

He underscored “Smart Fire Safety is a must for Smart Bangladesh.” Chisty also emphasized the imperative of incorporating cutting-edge technology across infrastructure, industries, and architectural endeavors.

The Director General of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defense Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin said, “If we spend only Tk 2 out of Tk 100 on fire safety measures in our infrastructure, factories and building, Bangladesh will be safer. Though we have limitations, we’re always ready to mitigate fire incidents and betterment of the country.”

President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Md. Jashim Uddin said, “Bangladesh is now moving towards LDC graduation and there are a lot of targets that we have to achieve to be smart and a developed nation. However, we should follow fire safety and security compliance to grab local and global markets.”

FBCCI Senior Vice President Md. Amin Helaly said that the Fire safety and security concern is growing after some incidents. “But, now we should have to take preventive measures and innovative, smart actions to combat before any incident such as earthquake and fire. If awareness increases, about 80 per cent of the problem will be reduced,” he added.

 Zakir Uddin Ahmed, Secretary General, ESSAB emphasised on Public-Private Partnership to make Bangladesh safer and secured as efforts to ensure safety from fire incidents cannot be undertaken alone.

 ESSAB Senior Vice President SM Shahjahan Saju, Publicity Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam and others spoke at the program.

Md. Matin Khan, Mohammad Faisal Mahmud, Engr. Md. Manzur Alam, M. Mahmudur Rashid, Joint Secretary General Md. Mahmood-E-Khoda, Assistant Secretary General Engr. Md. Mahabur Rahman, Treasurer Md. Noor Nabi, Director Md. Wahid Uddin, Eng. Md. Al-Emran Hossain, Major Mohammad Asheque Kamal, Md. Rafiqul Islam, business leaders and other dignitaries were present, among others, at the program.

ESSAB Safety Excellence Award Winners: A total of 13 organizations honored with the ESSAB Safety Excellence Award for ensuring building code compliance and fire safety measures in residential, industrial, commercial buildings.

Among them, Rancon Artisti Residences stood first in the residential building category, while Sheltech Rubynur stood second, and Concord Shapla stood third.

In the Commercial Building Category, Shanta Forum, Concord MK Heritage and BGMEA Complex received the award as the First, Runner Up and Second Runner Up respectively.

A total number of 6 companies jointly won the excellence award in the Industrial (RMG) category. Among them, Glamour Dresses Ltd. and Designtex Knitwear Ltd. were named the top winners. Tasniah Fabrics Ltd. and SQ Birichina Ltd. came next, followed by Sterling Denims Ltd. and Silken Sewing Ltd. Besides, BM Container Depot Ltd. received the award in the industrial other category.

Meanwhile, ESSAB has given special recognition to five fire service personnel for their brave role in firefighting and rescue operations.

Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defense Department Md. Faisalur Rahman and Mohammad Safiqul Islam, Senior Station Officer Md. Nazim Uddin Sarkar, Warehouse Inspector Md. Zahirul Islam and Fire Fighter Alhaj Miah were honored for their courageous role in firefighting and rescue operations.

The 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo-24 is co-partnered by several esteemed organizations, including the Directorate of Fire Service and Civil Defense, FEBOAB, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Home Affairs. FBCCI has also provided support for the Expo.