DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Fire Service and Civil Defense Headquarters was held today in the capital highlighting a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s journey towards safer and more resilient urban infrastructure. 

The facility is being constructed under the Urban Building Safety Project, financed through the Government of Japan’s ODA.

Special guests included the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, the Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defense, and the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh. From Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the event was attended by Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh, said a press release.

In his remarks, Ichiguchi Tomohide emphasized that the new headquarters represents far more than a construction project, it is a strategic national investment in public safety and disaster response readiness. 

He stated, “Bangladesh is experiencing rapid urban growth, and with that comes the critical responsibility to ensure that emergency services are equipped with strong, modern, and resilient infrastructure. This headquarters will serve as a central command facility for coordination, rescue, and rapid response during emergencies, including earthquakes and urban fires.”

The new Fire Service and Civil Defense Headquarters will be the first building in Bangladesh to use Base Isolation technology; an advanced engineering system widely applied in Japan to ensure buildings remain operational during major earthquakes. 

This innovation will help keep essential services running, improve structural safety of buildings and set an example for future disaster-resilient public infrastructure in Bangladesh.

The project has been launched as a part of the Urban Building Safety Project which was conceived after the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse to address the gaps. In parallel, JICA is also supporting capacity building, training, and the strengthening of regulatory frameworks through other related projects, with the aim of improving long-term safety standards.

The project also highlights the strong development partnerships between Japan and Bangladesh.

Through JICA, Japan continues to support Bangladesh in disaster risk reduction and resilient urban development, reinforcing a shared commitment to safer cities and stronger public institutions.