DHAKA, Aug 24, 2023 (BSS) - A three-day 9th International Fire Safety and Security Expo-2023 will be held from November 21-23 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the city.
 
Ahead of this international event, the Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) organized a soft launching ceremony and 'Meet the Press' at Gulshan Club here on Wednesday.
 
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam said that the incident of Rana Plaza collapse has taught how to ensure compliance in the country's industries and factories.

"If you want to go to Qatar or any developing country, then you have to ensure fire safety. Fire safety equipments will be made in the country in the future. That's why everyone should come forward," he said.

Mahbubul said that Bangladesh would be the ninth largest consumer market in the world in 2030. "For this, it is necessary to take all kinds of steps to ensure the safety of the factories. No Accord-Alliance is required, rather to strengthen their position in the competitive market, they have to come forward on their own initiative."

In his welcome speech, ESSAB President Zahir Uddin Babar highlighted the various activities of ESSAB in front of the media. 

He said that in keeping with the increasing development and dynamics of the country, the members of ESSAB are continuously working to ensure the fire safety of the entire industrial and commercial and residential sectors of the country.

In the event, Secretary General M. Mahmudur Rashid highlighted various aspects of this international exposition. He said that this year's expo will display products in three categories, which includes fire safety solutions, security solutions and building automation, said a press release. 

More than 100 world-renowned companies from 30 countries will participate in the fair. Besides, four technical seminars on fire safety and related issues will be held in this international expo. 

The participants of the seminar can participate completely free of charge while certificates will be distributed among them. Some 800 participants can participate in each seminar. ESSAB will also honor the fire fighters for their brave role in fire-fighting and rescue operations. Live fire demonstration and other events will also be held.

It was also informed that the Expo will be open for visitors from 10 am to 7 pm for three days from November 21 to 23, 2023.

FBCCI senior vice president Amin Helaly, vice president Rashedul Hossain Chowdhury Ronni, Fire Service and Civil Defense Director (Operation) Lt. Col. Tajul Islam and the newly elected board of directors of FBCCI were present on the occasion.

ESSAB Senior Vice President and FBCCI Director Niaz Ali Chishty invited everyone from the country and outside the country to participate in this international expo. 

He expressed the hope that this year's Expo will be successful like every year and will help to ensure the overall security of the industry, commerce and services sector of the entire country. 

Niaz also highlighted the various problems and possibilities of the fire safety sector in Bangladesh. He laid emphasis on reduction of taxes, VAT and cost of imports in this sector and requested for ease of clearance of goods at ports. 

Through this expo, fire safety and security products will be more accessible to people and will encourage more investors.

The ESSAB Safety Excellence Award is getting special importance with this year's expo. Those who have ensured proper fire-fighting and safety measures in three categories -- commercial buildings, residential buildings and industrial plants -- will be honored with awards. 

From ESSAB board of directors, vice presidents Md. Wahid Uddin, SM Shahjahan, Md. Motin Khan, Mohammad Mahmud, joint general secretary ZakirUddin Ahmed were present, among others, on the occasion.