Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said Bangladesh Fire Service is now capable of managing any big fire incident as now it is upgraded with modern equipment.

"If we look back, you'll see that 10 years ago we had no equipment for extinguishing fire in high-rise buildings like Bashundara Shopping complex and Tazrin Garments. That's why we couldn't extinguish them. We've a lack of modern safety equipment and technology. Now the scenario has changed," he said.

The minister said this while inaugurating the 5th International Fire Safety and Security Expo 2018 organised by Electronics Safety and Security Association of Bangladesh (ESSAB) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC).

Bangladesh Fire Service remains alert 24 hours to manage any fire accident, fire prevention and disaster management, he said.

Asaduzzaman said, "There were only 193 fire stations in the country before the Awami league-led government came to power in 2009. Now there're 335 fire stations across the country. The number will be 554 within a couple of months."

Appreciating the initiative of the expo, the minister said it will help potential users to know about the available safety and security products and services in the market.

A total of 60 companies from 30 countries are showcasing their products and services in the 5th edition of the expo which will remain open for all from 10 am to 7pm until April 7.

Director General of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Brig General Ali Ahmed Khan, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Shafiul Islam, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Siddiqur Rahman, Director General of Rapid Action Battalion Benjir Ahmed were present as special guests.

President of ESSAB Motaher Hoshan Khan delivered the inaugural speech while convener of the expo Engineer MonzurAlam spoke at the opening session.