The International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 has started at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the capital with the aim of reducing the risk and damage of any disaster including fire safety, ensuring the availability of fire safety and security equipment and increasing awareness among all. The three-day international exhibition is organized by the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ISAB). Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F. Rahman inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday.
Thanking ISAB for contributing to increasing public awareness on fire risk and safety, Salman F. Rahman said that after the fire accident at Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashion Garments, the government has given special emphasis on reducing fire risk and ensuring safety in industrial factories of the country. Realizing its importance, private sector entrepreneurs have taken bold steps on the issue of fire safety. Initiatives taken together by the government and the private sector achieve success. For example, most of the safest and most environmentally friendly garment factories in the world today are in Bangladesh.
Stating that the government is working extensively to ensure fire safety across the country, Salman F. Rahman said that during the current government’s tenure, modern technology has been added to fire stations across the country. An initiative has been taken to build one fire station in each upazila of the country. As many as there are special economic zones, the government has taken the initiative to have a fire station in each one. Apart from this, steps are being taken to prepare the Bangladesh Building Code. At the same time, he stressed on the production of fire safety and security equipment in the country by reducing import dependence.
Participating as a special guest in the inauguration ceremony, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said that as the country’s industry and investment are increasing, the issue of factory safety is becoming more important. There is no substitute for fire protection and safety in building a sustainable industry. No exemption should be given to the business community in this regard. Some unscrupulous persons are importing low quality fire safety equipment and selling it in the domestic market. Which is risking the wealth and lives of the country.
In such a situation, the FBCCI President emphasized on ensuring the adequacy and use of quality equipment.
Niaz Ali Chishti, president of ISAB, in his welcome speech said that as the size of the economy of the country is growing, the issue of fire risk and security is becoming more important. Fire safety and security has become a challenge in the socio-economic development and construction of sustainable infrastructure in Bangladesh. It is the need of the hour to strengthen the fire safety system in the country by reducing the risk of fire.
President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Farooq Hasan said that the businessmen of the garment sector have been giving special importance to ensure green industrialization and safe working environment. As a result, a total of 207 green certified garment factories have been built in Bangladesh. Most of the world’s top 100 garment factories are located in Bangladesh. Factory owners are working to ensure fire safety. He said that BGMEA and ISAB will work together to ensure the safety of the garment industry. ISAB Secretary General Zakir Uddin Ahmed urged the government to quickly implement fire safety policies to reduce fire risk and ensure safety in the country.
At this time, ISAB Senior Vice President SM Shahjahan Saju, Vice President Md. Matin Khan, Mohammad Faisal Mahmud, Md. Manjur Alam, M Mahmudur Rashid, directors, members, Additional Director of Fire Service and Civil Defense Department Anwar Hossain, business leaders etc.
It should be noted that more than a hundred companies from 30 countries of the world have participated in the
International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024, who are exhibiting the latest products and technologies of fire safety and security. The exhibition will continue till February 19. The exhibition will be open for visitors daily from 11 am to 8 pm. On the first day of the exhibition (Saturday) in the afternoon, ISAB organized a seminar on Smart Safety and Security Solutions in Bangladesh.
