On November 3, 1971, while the nation was fighting for independence, another battle took place at the Guptakhali canal in Chattogram. A nearby fire station was informed that a fire had broken out on an oil tanker carrying 1,000 tonnes of kerosene and 30 tonnes of gasoline.

Firefighter Nurul Alam and his team rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly to put out the fire. Sadly, the ship exploded. Nurul died, and 18 of his fellow firefighters were injured.

He did not receive a war medal, but to his colleagues, he was a hero -- one who fought a different kind of battle, where fire, not bullets, took lives.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence of Bangladesh has a long history of bravery. Since independence, 47 members have died while on duty. Their stories speak of courage, kindness, and selfless service. The worst incident occurred on June 4, 2022, at the BM Container Depot in Sitakunda, Chattogram, where explosions killed 13 firefighters.

The most recent loss was Sohanur Zaman Nayan from Mithapukur in Rangpur. Nayan was the only son of a farmer. On December 26, 2024, a fire broke out in Building-7 of the secretariat. While running with a hose to fight the fire, he was hit by a truck. The flames did not reach him, but danger came in another form. Doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospital could not save him.

Like many countries, Bangladesh will observe International Firefighters' Day today. It is a day to honour the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters worldwide. The day was established in 1999 after five firefighters died in a wildfire in Linton, Australia. Since then, it has become a global event to appreciate firefighters' work.

This Sunday, the Fire Service and Civil Defence will recognise 40 field-level firefighters, divers, and officials from all six divisions for their outstanding performances. Special prayers will also be offered for those who lost their lives or are still recovering from injuries.

A fire service official said current compensation for injury or death is inadequate. There is also no insurance for death or loss of limbs, and the FSCD lacks personal protective equipment such as fire suits and breathing apparatus.

Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal, the new director general of fire service, said he has sent a proposal to the ministry increase the risk allowance to 30 percent of the basic salary.

Supporting the demand for insurance coverage, he said he will conduct a feasibility study and send a proposal to the government for insurance coverage for all fire service members.

He also said he has a plan to ensure all staff receive proper fire suits and equipment.

Currently, the fire service has 14,570 members.