A burning issue: Escalating fire hazards in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has witnessed a steady rise in the number of fire incidents over the years, leading to significant loss of life, property, and livelihoods.
Despite various initiatives taken by the government, the frequency and impact of these incidents highlight serious shortcomings in addressing the root causes.
According to data from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD), the country recorded over 24,000 fire incidents in 2023, a sharp increase compared to previous years.
These fires caused more than 300 fatalities, injured thousands, and resulted in property damage worth billions of takas.
Urban areas, particularly Dhaka, Chattogram, and Narayanganj, have been disproportionately affected due to high population density and industrial concentration.
Between 2019 and 2023, BFSCD reported a total of 100,000 fire incidents nationwide, leading to approximately 1,200 deaths and 4,500 injuries.
The financial losses incurred during this period are estimated at over Tk7,000 crore.
Data from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) indicates that 40% of these fires occurred in residential buildings, followed by 25% in industrial facilities, and 20% in commercial establishments.
One of the deadliest fire incidents in recent memory occurred in 2019 at Chawkbazar, Dhaka, where over 70 lives were lost.
Another tragic event took place in 2023 at a garment factory in Gazipur, killing 50 workers.
Additionally, a blaze at the BM Container Depot in Chattogram in 2022 claimed 49 lives, including several firefighters, underscoring the occupational hazards faced by first responders.
Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency and severity of fire incidents in Bangladesh.
Many buildings, particularly in urban areas, are constructed without adhering to fire safety regulations.
The lack of fire exits, poorly maintained electrical wiring, and the absence of fire suppression systems make these structures highly vulnerable.
Factories and warehouses often operate without adequate fire safety measures.
Flammable materials are stored improperly, and workers are rarely trained in fire prevention and emergency response.
Fire stations are unevenly distributed, with rural areas being grossly underserved.
Additionally, the BFSCD often struggles with outdated equipment, a shortage of manpower, and inadequate training.
A significant portion of the population remains unaware of basic fire safety protocols.
Mismanagement of cooking gas cylinders, overloaded electrical circuits, and improper handling of combustible materials are common household practices that increase fire risks.
Unplanned urbanisation and narrow roads in cities like Dhaka hinder the accessibility of firefighting vehicles to fire sites. This delay often exacerbates the severity of incidents.
The government has undertaken several measures to address fire hazards.
Allocations for modernising firefighting equipment and expanding the number of fire stations have been increased in recent budgets.
Public awareness programmes have been launched to educate citizens on fire safety measures, particularly in urban and industrial areas.
The government has introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
Regular inspections are conducted in high-risk areas, especially in factories and commercial buildings.
Partnerships with trade bodies such as the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have aimed to improve fire safety standards in industrial facilities.
Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain.
Inspections are often superficial and influenced by corruption, while public awareness campaigns have limited reach.
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Additionally, the BFSCD continues to face resource constraints, limiting its operational effectiveness.
Addressing the issue of fire incidents in Bangladesh requires a multi-pronged approach involving government, industry, and community participation. Here are some actionable recommendations:
Enforcing strict compliance with building codes is essential.
Implement rigorous inspections to ensure that new constructions adhere to fire safety standards.
Retrofit existing buildings to include fire exits, sprinklers, and proper electrical systems.
Allocating additional resources to the BFSCD for modern equipment, training, and recruitment is necessary.
Establish more fire stations, particularly in high-risk and underserved areas.
Industrial safety must be prioritised.
Make fire drills mandatory in factories and ensure that workers are trained in emergency response.
Introduce incentives for industries that adopt advanced fire safety measures, such as automated suppression systems.
Public awareness should be promoted by expanding fire safety education through schools, community programmes, and mass media campaigns.
Develop easy-to-understand guidelines for households on safe use of gas cylinders, electrical appliances, and emergency procedures.
Urban planning needs improvement.
Redesign congested urban areas to include wider roads and better access for emergency vehicles.
Relocate hazardous industries away from densely populated residential zones.
Technology can be leveraged by deploying advanced monitoring systems to detect and prevent potential fire hazards.
Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify high-risk areas and allocate resources accordingly.
Strengthening governance and accountability is critical.
Establish an independent body to monitor and audit fire safety compliance without interference.
Ensure transparency in the allocation and utilisation of funds for firefighting and prevention.
Fire incidents in Bangladesh are not merely accidents; they are preventable tragedies that reflect systemic failures in governance, urban planning, and public awareness.
While the government has made commendable strides, much remains to be done to address the root causes effectively.
By enforcing stringent regulations, modernising infrastructure, and fostering a culture of safety, Bangladesh can significantly reduce the frequency and impact of fire incidents.
Collaborative efforts from all stakeholders—government, industry, and the public—are essential to build a safer future for all citizens.
This journey may be challenging, but the costs of inaction are far too high.
It is imperative to act decisively and collectively to ensure that the devastating tales of fire hazards become a thing of the past.