Coming together to ensure fire safety and security measures, the government and private sector entrepreneurs are holding a three-day international expo, bringing all security equipment under one roof.
Aimed at making people aware of fire safety and security systems, a total of 70 companies from 26 countries—the US, the UK, Germany, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey, China, and India—will participate in the "6th International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2019”.
Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB), in association with the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD) organized the expo at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), Dhaka, which began yesterday.
Inaugurating the expo as the chief guest, Housing and Public Works Minister SM Rejaul Karim said: “The combined efforts of the government and the business community, have brought remarkable developments to this sector. It is a dream to develop Bangladesh as a country where prosperity, safety, and security can coexist. This expo is immensely beneficial for our country’s development towards that goal.”
ESSAB President Motaher Hoshan Khan said that under the pressure of buyers, most of the export-oriented industries, especially the RMG industry, has ensured fire safety.
"But many building owners are still lagging behind," he added.
Motaher further said that a fire protection system is an integral component of a building’s safety plan without which the lives of those inside are placed at risk in case of an emergency. "Building and industry safety and security are also important and must be protected,” he opined.
“The people can get to know about the latest technology and products innovated in fire safety and security systems by visiting the stalls at the fair,” ESSAB President said.
Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan said that with development, several challenges increase in relation to high-rise buildings, commercial buildings, industries, mills, factories, shopping malls, hospitals, CNG-LPG-LNG gas users, and upcoming mega projects.
"The main objective of this expo is to address the upcoming challenges by learning from the past incidents and observations, and to introduce the best fire safety practices," the director general added.
Also present at the inaugural ceremony, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Siddiqur Rahman said that fire safety and security equipment is very important for the apparel industry.
"Bangladesh is a prestigious brand in the global apparel market not only for its quality, but also for its safety standards,” he added.
As a part of the expo, four seminars—titled "Smart City", "Cyber Security and Digital Transformation", "Industrial Fire Safety Solution", and "Fire Hazards and High-rise Building"— will also be held.
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Benazir Ahmed and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Shafiul Islam, were also present at the event.
