MADARIPUR, Nov 27, 2025 (BSS) - Fire Service and Civil Defense personnel in Madaripur continue to perform their duties from a severely risky building, despite the structure being officially declared unsafe five years ago. 

The two-story building, constructed in 1966 in the Kukrail area of the district town, was identified as hazardous in 2020. However, no renovation work or construction of a new facility has begun since then, forcing frontline responders to work under constant threat to their lives.

A recent inspection of the site revealed extensive structural damage. Large cracks have spread across the walls, plaster has peeled off in several places exposing rusting rods, and the roof shows clear signs of water damage and erosion. 

The decades-old stairs, corridors and rooms are in noticeably unstable condition. Although the exterior of the building has been painted, the interior remains dangerously fragile. Workers reported that accidents occur frequently due to the weakened structure, yet they continue their duties out of responsibility.

Sheikh Ahaduzzaman, warehouse inspector at the Fire Service, said: “Our building has been identified as risky for about five years. I am afraid every day when I go to work.

 The fear that a wall or roof may collapse at any moment is always in my mind. 

Still, we are working. But the fact that the new building hasn’t started yet is very disappointing.”

Deputy Assistant Director of the Madaripur Fire Service Mohammad Shafiqul Islam stated that multiple proposals for constructing a new building have been sent since the risky declaration in 2020.

“The matter has been discussed several times in the concerned department, but no approval or budget has been released yet. Without a safe building, it is difficult to keep the morale of the workers high,” he said.

He added that emergency service demands in the district have grown significantly due to population increase, expansion of multi-storey buildings, and rising vehicle numbers. The unsafe building, he said, is directly hampering their ability to respond effectively.

Local historian and researcher Subal Biswas expressed concern, saying, “Those who risk their lives to ensure the safety of the people are now under threat themselves. This is very sad. We urge the authorities to construct a new building without delay.”

Following a recent earthquake in the country, worries about the building’s stability have intensified. 

Advocate Masud Parvez, president of Madaripur Unnayan Sangram Parishad, said that fire service personnel are always at the front line during disasters. “If their own office is not safe, it will naturally reduce their focus and efficiency. Renovating this building or constructing a new one is essential,” he said.

Local resident SM Tuhin added that the building, constructed decades ago, now shows cracks in many areas. He demanded immediate action from authorities to either construct a new building or initiate urgent repairs.

Fire service personnel stressed that a life-saving institution like theirs should operate from a structurally safe building equipped with modern facilities. “If our own lives are at risk, it becomes difficult to save others,” they said.