DHAKA, Nov 19, 2023 (BSS) - A total of 15 female fighters have joined the 
Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) for the first time in the history of 
fire service in the country.

As per the appointment letters, the female firefighters officially joined the 
force on Saturday at FSCD Multipurpose Training Complex in Purbachal of 
Narayanganj, Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters Media Cell official 
Shahjahan Sikder told BSS today.

After joining, they were transferred to Mirpur Training Complex while FSCD 
Director General Brigadier General Main Uddin welcomed them there, he said.

Sikder said the post of "Fireman" was recently changed to "Firefighter" at 
the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to eliminate gender 
discrimination and a recruitment circular for the post of fire fighters was 
published on June 20 this year.

In line with the circular, 2,707 applicants applied for the post of 
firefighter (female); while these 15 women were finally selected for the post 
of firefighter, through preliminary screening, physical fitness, medical 
test, written test and oral examination. 

Sikder said although women officers joined the fire service as officers 
before, but no woman was appointed as firefighter since there was no 
opportunity.

The newly appointed firefighters are - Mst Majeda Khatun, Papia Khatun, Pinky 
Roy, Mst Maimuna Akhter, Rima Khatun, Meherunnecha Mim, Mst Arjuman Akhter 
Rita, Mishu Akhtar, Jharna Rani Paul, Mst Kakuli Khatun, Israt Jahan Iti, Mst 
Nazmun Nahar, Mst Yasmin Khatun, Mst Rozina Akhtar and Priyanka Halder.