(BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has undertaken a series of development initiatives to strengthen the operational capacity of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), including construction of new fire stations, procurement of ambulances and expansion of manpower.

"We`re taking numerous schemes for the overall development of the fire service," he said.

The home minister made the remarks while addressing a programme as the chief guest marking the Fire Service and Civil Defence Week, Medal Distribution and Passing-Out Parade Ceremony 2026.

The programme was held at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Multipurpose Training Ground in Purbachal today.

Salahuddin Ahmed said 20 projects for construction and reconstruction of fire stations are currently being implemented across the country to enhance emergency response services.

"Work to procure 100 ambulances is also underway to expand services," he added.

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.

Highlighting the government`s long-term plan, 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 the government has already launched an online-based e-fire licence service from May 1 to ensure transparency, accountability and easier public access to FSCD services.

Describing the Fire Service as a humanitarian institution dedicated to "speed, service and sacrifice," he said its members continue to risk their lives to protect people and property during fires, road accidents, floods, building collapses and other disasters.

"People of Bangladesh now see the Fire Service as a symbol of trust and reliability," he added.

Ahmed said climate change and rapid urbanisation are increasing the frequency of disasters, making the role of the Fire Service more important than ever before.

At present, he said, the force is providing services through 538 fire stations across the country, though the number remains inadequate compared to growing demand.

Ahmed also highlighted several welfare initiatives for Fire Service personnel, including construction of two multi-storey residential buildings in Mirpur and Tejgaon for firefighters and officials.

Construction of the Fire Service headquarters building in Mirpur is also progressing, he said.

He said proposals related to upgradation, coordination with other government agencies and introduction of a special "Fire and Rescue Allowance" are under review.

Referring to operational achievements, Ahmed said Fire Service personnel extinguished 27,059 fires in 2025 and saved properties worth Taka 3,263.62 crore.

He 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.

The minister said Fire Service personnel also conducted 14,987 awareness campaigns, 2,078 building surveys and 10,533 building inspections, while providing fire safety training to 256,165 people and creating 1,039 new community volunteers.

Paying tribute to fallen firefighters, he recalled that three Fire Service members lost their lives in the recent chemical fire incident in Tongi while carrying out rescue operations.

Senior Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury spoke at the function as special guest while FSCD Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal gave the address of welcome.