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
High-rise Buildings & Fire Safety: Challenges and Solutions in Dhaka
Imagine arriving home in a high-rise tower in Dhaka. You step into the elevator, send yourself up 20 floors, and mentally sigh with relief after a long day. But then you think: “What if a fire breaks out? How safe am I really?” In a city rising sky-high but often pushing short on safety, that question holds real weight. In this article, we’ll explore fire safety in Dhaka’s high-rise buildings: what makes them vulnerable, where the gaps are, and — importantly — how those risks can be effectively addressed. You’ll learn about why fire safety matters more than ever in Dhaka’s vertical-growth environment, what the major challenges are (from design flaws to regulatory shortfalls), how existing buildings and new ones differ, and what practical solutions building owners, residents and authorities can pursue. Let’s climb into it. Why fire safety in high-rise buildings is a growing concern in Dhaka Dhaka’s skyline has changed dramatically in the last decade — apartments and commercial towers keep reaching ever higher. That vertical growth brings many benefits, but it also amplifies fire safety risks. A recent study found that between 2020 and 2023 there were 548 fires in high-rise buildings in Dhaka, resulting in injuries and fatalities. (concordrealestatebd.com) High-rises are inherently more complex when it comes to fire safety: tall heights, multiple occupants, mixed uses (residential plus commercial), longer evacuation routes, smoke and heat moving faster upward — all increase the challenge. The research on Dhaka’s high-rise buildings notes design flaws, deficient maintenance, and lack of emergency planning as recurrent problems. (Bangla Jol) So when you live or work in a tall building in Dhaka, you’re facing different safety dynamics than in a single-storey house. This section sets the stage by showing you why this isn’t just “another building” issue — it’s a critical safety concern for many people. Common fire hazards in Dhaka’s high-rise buildings Understanding what triggers fires in high-rises helps us fix them. In Dhaka, several recurring issues show up. First, electrical malfunctions — overloaded wiring, cheap materials, outdated panels — show up again and again. One study flagged electrical problems as a key cause of fire incidents in high-rise structures. (Bangla Jol) Second, combustible materials and poor compartmentation: many buildings don’t use proper fire-resistant materials or haven’t designed fire separations (walls, doors) as needed, so once a fire starts it spreads fast. (Academia) Third, emergency preparedness falls short. Some high-rises lack reliable fire‐alarm systems, sprinkler systems, clear evacuation routes, or even training for occupants. A survey pointed out that while people recognised fire safety was important, many buildings lacked proper plans. (Mendeley Data) So, behind the appealing façade of tall towers lies a tangle of risk-factors: when the hazards multiply, the consequences escalate. Which leads us to the next section: why high-rises are especially vulnerable. Why high-rise buildings amplify fire safety risks High-rise buildings bring a unique set of challenges compared to low‐rise structures. For one, evacuation becomes slower and more difficult — stairwells may become smoke‐filled, lifts cannot be used during fire, and reaching upper floors takes time. Firefighters also face difficulty: equipment designed for six‐storey buildings may struggle when the 20th floor is involved. In Dhaka, building design issues add further weight: a study assessing “Fire Safety Rating” of commercial towers found that none of the 30 surveyed buildings achieved an “excellent” score in categories like escape facility and built in fire fighting systems. (Academia) Height means smoke and heat accumulate; if a refuge floor or safe zone isn’t properly designed, occupants become trapped. Long vertical shafts can act like chimneys for fire. Add mixed uses (shops, offices, residences) and you have varied fire loads and occupant profiles. These upward complexities make fire safety in tall buildings much more than just “install a fire-extinguisher and be done”. Regulatory framework and the gaps in Dhaka In Bangladesh, several regulations apply to fire safety: the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act, 2003, the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) (2000 version and later amendments) set clauses for tall buildings. (Bangla Jol) Yet enforcement is weak. For example, an official inspection found around 2,603 buildings in the capital declared “at risk” for fire hazards. Many building owners fail to apply for required fire safety licences or renew them. (Prothomalo) There are further issues around design approvals: one high‐rise (Doreen Tower in Dhaka) reportedly lacked required fire‐protected staircases and firefighting lifts despite its height. (Wikipedia) Regulation on paper meets reality only partially. The framework exists, but implementation, monitoring, and follow‐through often fall short. For residents and building managers, that gap between regulation and reality is where risk hides. Practical solutions for fire safety in high-rise buildings in Dhaka The good news is: solutions exist, and many are practical. First, building owners should invest in active fire protection systems: automatic sprinklers, fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, pressurised stairwells, hydrant systems. A local commentary emphasises the use of fire‐resistant materials, regular inspections and emergency exit planning. (Assure Group) Second, emergency preparedness matters. Conducting regular fire drills, training occupants, clearly marking exits and stairwells, and having a well‐documented and practiced evacuation plan can make the difference between safe escape and tragedy. Third, regulatory compliance must be taken seriously. That means ensuring fire licence renewals, implementing the design’s fire protection system, and carrying out periodic maintenance. A recent study on Dhaka high-rise buildings shows that compliance with code is at around 69 % on average—highlighting there’s significant room for improvement. (ResearchGate) Fourth, retrofit and upgrade older towers. If a building was constructed before stricter safety norms, consider installing modern systems or reworking escape routes. Management committees should push for these improvements. Lastly, residents themselves play a role. Knowing where the nearest exit is, keeping corridors clear, reporting hazards (overloaded sockets, blocked exits), and cooperating with building management reinforce the entire system. The human side: resident behavior, awareness and culture Fire safety is not just about sprinklers and design – it’s about people. In many Dhaka high-rises, occupant awareness remains low. A