Staff Reporter: 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 easy availability of fire safety and protection equipment and raising awareness among all. The three-day international exhibition has been organized by the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB). Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman inaugurated the exhibition on Saturday (17 February 2024) morning.

During his speech as the chief guest Mr. Salman F. Rahman thanked ESSAB for contributing to increasing public awareness about fire safety and Security in the country. He 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. Both the government and the private sector are working closely to ensure fire safety and security in the industries and commercial buildings. Most of the safest and ]environmentally friendly garment factories in the world today are in Bangladesh as result of the joint work by the government and the private sector.

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 the fire stations across the country. An initiative has been taken to build fire station in every upazila and the special economic zones of the country.

While speaking as the special guest, 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 safety and security in building a sustainable industry.

Some unscrupulous people 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 availability and use of quality equipment.

Niaz Ali Chishty, president of ESSAB, 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 crucial. Fire safety and security has become a challenge in Bangladesh's socio-economic development and sustainable infrastructure construction. It is time to strengthen the fire safety system in the country by reducing the  fire risk.

During the construction of residential and commercial buildings, at least 2 percent of the total cost should be allocated for ensuring fire safety, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defense Directorate Brigadier General Md Main Uddin urged. At this time, he wants the cooperation of FBCCI, BGMEA and related parties in setting up fire science laboratory.

Farooq Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), reiterated the garment sector's commitment to green industrialization and workplace safety. He pledged collaborative efforts with ESSAB to ensure fire safety in garment factories.

FBCCI Senior Vice President Md. Amin Helaly, ESSAB Secretary General Zakir Uddin Ahmed, ESSAB Senior Vice President SM Shahjahan Saju, FBCCI Directors, business leaders and others were present on this occasion.

Over 100 prominent companies from 30 countries is attending the expo. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has extended full support to this exhibition

Biniyougbarta/SAM//