Staff Reporter
Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal, NDC, AFWC, PSC, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Department, said that the Fire Service and Civil Defense has established itself as a symbol of trust and reliability as a service-oriented organization that is the first to respond to any disaster or calamity. He made this statement while delivering his speech as the chief guest at the International Firefighter’s Day-2025 celebration organized at the organization’s headquarters on Sunday, May 4 at 9:30 am. At the ceremony, 45 officers and firefighters of various ranks selected from across the country were honored. Director (Administration and Finance) Mr. Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Director (Ap: and Main:) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director (Training, Training and Upgrading) Lt. Col. MA Azad Anwar, Deputy Directors and officers and employees of various ranks were present at the event. The program began with an introductory speech when the chief guest arrived at the venue. The introductory speech was delivered by the director (Ap: and Main:) of the organization, Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury. A minute of silence was then observed in memory of all firefighters around the world who have died in operational work. After the opening remarks, 45 officers and firefighters of various ranks selected from all over the country for their excellence and bravery in firefighting and rescue work were awarded. Each was awarded a certificate, a crest of honor and cash. Among the awardees, Inspector of Thakurgaon District Mr. Md. Mozammel Haque expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Director General for giving such an honor for the first time on the initiative of the Fire Service. Among all the officials, Mr. Md. Ohidul Islam, Principal of the Training Complex, delivered a speech at the event. Finally, Director (Administration and Finance) Mr. Md. Mozammel Haque delivered the presidential address. He expressed the opinion that this award will help boost the morale of all firefighters and accelerate operational work. The ceremony ended with light refreshments. It is worth noting that all officers from all over the country participated in the ceremony online. After Zohar, prayer services were organized for the deceased firefighters at all mosques of the Fire Service. This year is the first time that International Firefighters Day was officially celebrated on a small scale in Bangladesh.