The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department has launched a public awareness campaign in Dhaka to prevent fire incidents caused by gas connections or electrical faults in homes and businesses during the winter season.
The department is educating citizens on fire safety and preparedness through banners, placards, and direct outreach activities. Since the program began on September 25, over 30 campaigns have been conducted across the city, according to Fire Service sources.
On Thursday, awareness activities took place in Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Kalabagan, and Science Lab areas. Md Shahjahan Sikder, media officer at the Fire Service Headquarters, said: “The incidence of fire generally rises during the cold and dry season. Since September 25, we have been conducting static rallies, public outreach, and awareness campaigns at various locations to alert the public and promote our emergency hotline, 102.”
Pedestrians and nearby shop owners are provided with advice on fire prevention, with special emphasis on turning off gas stoves, avoiding overloading electrical wiring, and immediately notifying the Fire Service in emergencies.
Shikder added that nearly 30 static gatherings have been held at locations including Babubazar Bridge, Mitford Hospital area, Jagannath University intersection, Victoria Park, Lalbagh Fort, Chawkbazar, Hazaribagh, Motijheel, Kamalapur, Postogola, Azimpur, Shahbagh, and New Market. He noted that fire safety programs are also being conducted nationwide.
These initiatives include fire drills, training sessions, inspections of hazardous structures, public outreach, and evening campaigns. Fire Service officials warned that careless use of kitchens, heaters, coils, or electrical appliances during winter significantly increases the risk of fire. Regular awareness campaigns, they said, can substantially reduce both the frequency of incidents and the associated losses.
