Press Release
13 October, 2026, 11:50 am
Last modified: 13 October, 2026, 11:53 am
Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Junaid, SUP, took charge as director general of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence yesterday (12 October).
He formally received responsibility from outgoing Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal, NDC, AFWC, PSC, who returned to the Bangladesh Army after serving in the position for two years and 10 days, according to the press release issued by the Fire Service Media Cell.
At 9am, the outgoing and newly appointed directors general planted saplings at Jalshiri Fire Station in Narayanganj in the presence of departmental officials.
A farewell gathering for the outgoing director general was held at the department at 11am. Both officers attended alongside the department's directors, the project director, the managing director of the welfare trust, the principal of the training complex and officials of various ranks.
Divisional deputy directors, assistant directors and other officers and staff from divisions and districts across the country joined the programme online.
An "Officers' Address" programme was held in the department's conference room at noon, where officials shared memories of working with the outgoing director general.
In his remarks, Zahed recalled his experiences during his tenure at the Fire Service and Civil Defence. He acknowledged the sincerity, dedication and cooperation of the organisation's officers and staff and thanked them for their support in carrying out his duties.
Following the programme, he formally handed over responsibility to the newly appointed director general at his office.
After completing the handover, Zahed signed the department's inspection book and bid farewell to officers and staff of all ranks before leaving the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.
At 4pm, Sultanul addressed officials after assuming office, emphasising the importance of properly fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to the department.
He outlined his expectations for protecting lives and property, ensuring fire safety, responding promptly to accidents and disasters, and strengthening professional skills and coordination in rescue operations.
He also pledged to improve the quality of public service through the combined efforts of the organisation's officers and staff.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued an order on 22 September appointing Sultanul as director general of the Fire Service and Civil Defence and returning Zahed to the Bangladesh Army.