Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today handed over three ultra modern German made life saving fire resistant jumbo cushions to fire service authorities to use those in rescue operations in fire incidents
She formally handed the jumbo cushions over to Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department Brig Gen Md Sajjad Hossain at a function at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the capital on Sunday.
PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim later briefed the newsmen.
Sheikh Hasina issued necessary directives to the authorities concerned for maintaining safety and security during the rescue operations in the fire incidents, Karim quoted the prime minister as saying.
The cushions were made of fiberglass which could be used in just one minute from the height of 35-metre.
Each of the cushions was purchased by Taka 50 lakh and its weight 80-kg each as the United Commercial Bank Limited (UCBL) has financed purchasing it. The cushions are electrically non-conductive and could be used for transporting hazardous goods without vibration and absorbing spills.
Secretary to the Security Services Division of the Home Ministry Md Shahiduzzaman gave a brief presentation on the activities of the fire service department before the premier.
He also informed the premier of some problems the fire service faces during the rescue operation.
Shahiduzzaman said, a total of 411 fire service stations have been set up across the country till November 2019, while the number was only 203 in 2008.
Besides, more 156 Fire stations are being constructed as a part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to set up at least one fire station in every upazila of the country, he said, adding that 47 of those are now in operation.
Manpower of the Fire Service and Civil Division department has increased to 12, 296 by now from 6,175 in 2008.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman, and PMO Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, were present, among others.
