Private sector entrepreneurs have taken bold steps to ensure fire safety realizing its importance, now both the government and the private sector are working closely to address safety and security in the industries and commercial buildings, said Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman.
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2024 on Saturday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the capital.
The international exhibition is being organized by the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) aiming to ensure fire safety, ensuring easy availability of fire safety and protection equipments and raising awareness among all.
Salman said most of the safest and environment-friendly garment factories in the world today are in Bangladesh as a result of the joint work by the government and the private sector.
"An initiative has been taken to build fire station in every upazila and the special economic zones of the country," he added.
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," he added.
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 high time to strengthen the fire safety system in the country by reducing the fire risk," he added.
Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), reiterated the garment sector's commitment to green industrialization and workplace safety.
Over 100 prominent companies from 30 countries are attending the expo. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has been extending full support to this exhibition.
