DHAKA, Aug 22, 2026 (BSS) - The Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has made significant progress in implementing the BNP government's electoral pledges during the first six months, according to a progress report on the government's 180-day action plan.

The report said several initiatives aimed at strengthening emergency response and expanding fire and rescue services have made substantial headway, with some activities nearing completion.

Under the pledge to establish a Civil Defence and Emergency Response Control Centre, the project document has been prepared and sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, while the process of creating manpower posts for launching the Emergency Response Control Centre (ERCC) has been completed.

The initiative recorded 80 percent progress by the 170th day (August 6), with the remaining 20 percent expected to be completed following the issuance of the necessary government order (GO).

The report also said the initiative to create 92 posts for seven new fire service units under the project titled "Expansion of Fire Service and Civil Defence Unit (1st Revised)" achieved 70 percent progress by August 6. 

A proposal for creating 72 posts is currently under consideration by the Cabinet Division.

The remaining work is expected to be completed following approval by the Cabinet Division and issuance of the GO, according to the report.

Another major initiative is the expansion of ambulance services to ensure faster emergency response to natural and man-made disasters.

Under the "Expansion of Ambulance Services of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate (Phase-II, 1st Revised)" project, the first phase envisages procuring 50 ambulances. 

The initiative recorded 20 percent progress by August 6.

A tender for procurement of the 50 ambulances was invited and opened on April 23. 

However, as the required documents were found inadequate, the Tender Evaluation Committee decided at a meeting on July 19 to invite the tender again.

The report said the procurement process has now been initiated to purchase 100 ambulances in the 2026-27 fiscal year, including the re-tendering of 50 ambulances and procurement of an additional 50.

The Fire Service expects to complete the procurement of all 100 ambulances during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The progress report said the initiatives are part of the government's efforts to fulfill its electoral commitments within the first 180 days by improving emergency response capacity, expanding fire and rescue infrastructure and ensuring quicker services for people during disasters and accidents.