Twenty projects for construction and reconstruction of fire stations are currently being implemented across the country to enhance emergency response services, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday.
The home minister said this while addressing a programme as the chief guest marking the Fire Service and Civil Defence Week, Medal Distribution and Passing-Out Parade Ceremony 2026.
''At present, the force is providing services through 538 fire stations across the country, though the number remains inadequate compared to growing demand.''
Highlighting the government's long-term plan, Salahuddin Ahmed said a proposal to reorganize the Fire Service organogram is under consideration to increase the number of fire stations and expand the force to more than 30,000 personnel in phases.
He said initiatives have also been taken to establish a Fire Service and Civil Defence Academy in Munshiganj to improve the quality of professional training for firefighters and rescuers.
The minister said a proposal has already been approved for creation of 72 new posts to strengthen the diving unit of the Fire Service, which will improve rescue capacity in water vessel accidents once recruitment is completed.
In his speech, the home minister paid deep respect to the fire service members who died in firefighting and rescue operations.
He said that 52 members of this force have sacrificed their lives while performing their duties at different times.
Referring to operational achievements, he said Fire Service personnel extinguished 27,059 fires in 2025 and saved properties worth Taka 3,263.62 crore.
Salahuddin said the force rescued 9,266 injured people and recovered 1,038 bodies from 7,815 road accidents, while 10,480 patients were transported by ambulance services during the year. �"Agncies
