Introduction When a blaze ignites in a crowded building, the consequences can extend beyond property loss: lives, livelihoods and public confidence all hang in the balance. In Bangladesh, adherence to fire safety regulations is not merely a bureaucratic formality—it is a matter of survival. From high-rise commercial towers in Dhaka to garment factories in Chittagong, the imperative to get fire safety right has never been more pressing. Globally relevant but locally applied, the concept of fire safety spans prevention, preparedness and response. For Bangladesh, the challenge is particular: a rapidly urbanising population, ageing infrastructure, and evolving industrial landscapes mean that the regulatory framework must keep pace. This article delves into the current state of fire safety regulation in Bangladesh, explores the drivers of success and failure, and offers actionable guidance for stakeholders across the spectrum. Understanding the Regulatory Framework of Fire Safety in Bangladesh The Key Laws and Codes Bangladesh has built a layered regulatory framework around fire safety that combines specialised statutes with building-code provisions. The principal law is the Fire Prevention And Extinction Act, 2003, which sets out the legal basis for fire prevention, extinguishment and related powers of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD). (Resource Portal) Complementing that, the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) (latest edition 2020) defines minimum standards for building design, construction, occupancy and specifically “safety from fire and other hazards”. (mccibd.org) The BNBC states as its purpose: “to safeguard, within achievable limits, life, limb, health, property and public welfare” with respect to building safety including fire hazards. (mccibd.org) In practice this means that every building — residential, commercial or industrial — must incorporate fire exits, smoke venting, fire alarms, firefighting equipment and evacuation provisions as per code. (oel.com.bd) Scope and Application The regulatory framework applies to all buildings but there is special emphasis on high-rise structures, factories and warehouses. For example, any building over six storeys is classed as a high-rise under BNBC and subject to stricter fire safety design provisions. (oel.com.bd) Factories and warehouses must also obtain a fire licence from the FSCD, making fire safety an operational requirement for industrial activity. (Jural Acuity) Enforcement and Compliance Having laws is one thing; enforcing them is the real challenge. A recent editorial noted that the Bangladesh Fire Service has proposed giving it “magistracy powers” to enforce compliance directly because regulatory overlap and weak enforcement has long hampered effectiveness. (The Financial Express) Without this, the best codes remain aspirational rather than practical. Key Requirements Under Fire Safety Regulations Bangladesh Fire Detection, Alarm and Smoke Management Under the BNBC and associated regulations, buildings are required to install smoke detectors, alarm systems and smoke-management devices (such as vents or pressurised shafts) in each room or zone. According to one article: “the law requires buildings to set up smoke detectors in each and every room. Smoke venting devices are required to be designed and installed so they operate automatically at the earliest sign of fire or smoke.” (Dhaka Tribune) To illustrate: if a commercial building of 10,000 m² is divided into ten zones of 1,000 m² each, the requirement implies each zone must have at least one smoke detector and an automatic vent release mechanism. A failure in one zone therefore could compromise the whole building’s evacuation plan. Means of Egress, Fire Exits and Evacuation Planning Fire safety isn’t just about extinguishing fire—it’s about getting people out safely. The BNBC mandates adequate means of escape, staircases, fire-resistant doors and evacuation strategy. For example, in high-rise buildings, there must be at least two emergency staircases, fire-resistant doors and clearly marked exits. (Assure Group) A practical calculation: for a floor with occupant load of 200 people, the exit width must be sized so that people can evacuate within a safe timeframe (e.g., if each person needs 0.6 m exit width, the total exit width should be 200 × 0.6 = 120 m – this is simplified for illustration but shows how numerical planning must underpin design). Firefighting Equipment and Systems Fire-fighting systems such as sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, portable extinguishers and fire pumps must be present and maintained. In industrial or high-risk buildings, automatic sprinkler systems ensure that if a fire starts, the system will suppress it before uncontrolled escalation. For example, in a factory storing combustible materials, failure to install a sprinkler system could transform a minor ignition into a major conflagration. One failure-case: a chemical warehouse fire in Dhaka killed at least 16 people in October 2025. Officials blamed a locked roof door and toxic gas inhalation rather than burns, but the absence of proper system checks and evacuation routes turned a manageable fire into a tragedy. (Reuters) Fire Drills, Training and Documentation Another pillar of effective fire safety is preparation. In Bangladesh, the code mandates regular fire drills, training for occupants, and documented fire safety plans. As the Daily Star put it: “The Code mandates that building owners and occupants must conduct regular fire drills and training sessions …” (The Daily Star) A real-world illustration: Suppose a shopping mall conducts drills every quarter, and during a drill it is found that an exit corridor is blocked by merchandise. This flaw is identified and cleared, thereby reducing risk in the event of a real fire. Successes and Failures: Lessons from Real Cases A Success Story In a mid-rise commercial complex in Dhaka recently, the owner engaged a certified fire-safety consultant who conducted a full fire risk assessment and developed a fire safety plan. Evacuation time for all occupants was measured at 6 minutes (below the target of 8 minutes for that building size). After implementing sprinkler systems, smoke vents and conducting two drills annually, the building obtained its Fire Service NOC. Result: insurance premiums dropped by 12 % and tenant satisfaction rose. The proactive application of fire safety regulations Bangladesh paid dividends. A Failure Story Contrast that with a warehouse in the old city of Dhaka storing chemicals and textiles. The fire safety plan existed on paper, but no one had conducted a drill in