Jahangir requests French assistance to enhance fire services
Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called for France’s cooperation in enhancing the capacity of Bangladesh’s Fire Service and Civil Defence. He made the request during a courtesy call by France Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on the Home Adviser at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including strengthening fire service capabilities, earthquake preparedness, national election readiness, and security measures, combating misinformation on social media, security in diplomatic zones, and improving fire accident investigation capacity, said a Home Ministry press release.
Welcoming the ambassador, the Home Adviser said that Bangladesh and France share a strong friendship that will grow even stronger in future. In response to the Ambassador’s query about the recent earthquake, he noted that the government is working to raise public awareness and enhance disaster-management measures, including enforcing building codes and increasing open spaces. He has sought France assistance in developing skilled manpower, supplying high-quality fire safety equipment, and providing modern tools for earthquake rescue operations.
Jahangir also requested technical support to improve fire accident investigation capabilities. The Ambassador assured full cooperation and suggested sending a formal proposal through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On electoral preparations, the Adviser said law enforcement agencies have undergone election-related training and that there is no security risk ahead of the polls. “We have made all kinds of preparations for free, fair, impartial and participatory elections,” he said.
The Ambassador informed him that the European Union may send election observers if it receives a formal proposal from the Election Commission. Addressing concerns about misinformation on social media, the Adviser said, “Fascists’ friends are spreading rumours and disinformation at home and abroad. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are working together to prevent rumours.” Regarding security at the France Embassy, Jahangir said that overall security in the diplomatic zone has already been heightened and that all embassies are receiving equal protection.
Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs Md. Jasim Uddin Khan, Deputy Head of Mission of the France Embassy Frederic INZA, and other officials were present at the meeting.
