Online Desk:  The 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 concluded with a focus on bolstering the nation’s fire safety measures, aiming to reduce fire risks, utilize modern equipment for safety, and raise public awareness.

According to expo organisers, on its final day, the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) honoured 13 organizations for their efforts in enhancing fire safety across residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.

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

Addressing the concluding ceremony Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that the country’s industry has now turned around as fire safety and security compliance as well as awareness has been increased after so many fire incidents.

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

He noted that the government has already created 44,000 volunteers, so that they can play a role in putting out fires before the fire service personnel reach the spots.

Director General of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin said that if only Tk 2 out of Tk 100 is spent for fire safety measures in the infrastructures, factories and building, Bangladesh will be safer.

“Though we have limitations, we’re always ready to mitigate fire incidents and betterment of the country”, he added.

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.

ESSAB Senior Vice President SM Shahjahan Saju, Publicity Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, 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, were among others present at the function.

ESSAB Safety Excellence Award Winners: A total of 13 organizations were given 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.
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 5 fire service personnel for their brave role in fire fighting and rescue operations.

Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence 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 honoured for their courageous role in fire fighting and rescue operations.