Despite having 13 fire service and civil defence stations across the district, not a single one in Dinajpur has a trained diving rescue unit. This alarming gap in emergency services has turned water-related accidents into life-or-death situations, with tragic consequences.
Whenever someone drowns in a river, pond or reservoir, local fire service teams struggle helplessly. In the absence of divers, they are forced to wait for support from Rangpur Fire Station — a staggering 76 kilometres away. This long journey, often taking hours, is proving to be the difference between saving a life and retrieving a body.
Official data from the fire service paints a grim picture. In just the last six months, 27 people in Dinajpur have died from drowning — most of them children. Locals and officials agree that in nearly every case, delays caused by the lack of divers were a key reason behind the high death toll.
What makes the situation even more shocking is that the Dinajpur Sadar Fire Station is classified as an ‘A’ category station. It is equipped with modern fire engines, rescue vehicles and even a fire ambulance. Yet, the absence of a diving unit — one of the most basic life-saving teams — remains a glaring omission.
Assistant Director of Dinajpur Fire Service, Md. Amirul Islam Sarker, acknowledged the problem. He said, “As an A-category station, Dinajpur Sadar must have a diving rescue team. We have already informed higher authorities and a proposal has been sent to the ministry. The process is underway.”
However, residents are growing impatient with such assurances.
Meherullah Badol, a member of Dinajpur Development Forum, called the situation unacceptable. “How can an emergency service like the fire department operate without divers? This is denying the people of Dinajpur their right to timely rescue,” he said. He urged the government to take immediate action.
Local citizens see this as a clear case of administrative negligence. Their frustration is evident in one burning question: If 13 stations and one A-grade headquarters exist, why is there still no permanent diving team?
They are demanding swift action — not promises.
