Fire Service may also be affected if a major quake hits Dhaka: DG

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The Fire Service and Civil Defence could itself be affected if a magnitude-7 or stronger earthquake strikes Dhaka, making it difficult to conduct rescue operations at multiple locations simultaneously, Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal has said.

Speaking as the chief guest at a fire safety training programme at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters in Bangabazar on Sunday, he stressed the need for greater public awareness about earthquake preparedness and safety.

He said regular awareness campaigns are needed to educate people on how to respond during earthquakes, including identifying safe shelter, avoiding elevators, and keeping emergency kits with essential medicines, flashlights and whistles.

The Fire Service chief also underscored the importance of ensuring safety before entering earthquake-damaged buildings, noting that rescue operations depend on the type of structure and the extent of the damage.

He urged journalists covering such incidents to prioritise their own safety while reporting.

Zahed Kamal said around 100 Fire Service stations across the country have been included in a disaster response plan for major earthquakes. Under the plan, personnel and equipment will be deployed quickly from those stations to affected areas if a severe earthquake occurs.

He added that a dry exercise has already been carried out as part of the preparedness efforts, while arrangements are also being made to transport firefighters and lightweight rescue equipment by helicopter if required.