The future of a nation depends on its children. If we cannot ensure their safety within our education system, we risk a bleak and uncertain future. The tragic incident that happened on 21 July, when a Bangladesh Air Force fighter aircraft crashed on a Milestone School and College building in Uttara, Dhaka, has laid bare the glaring lack of emergency preparedness in our schools.
It is deeply concerning that most schools in Bangladesh do not have functioning fire extinguishers. Where extinguishers exist, they are often outdated or non-operational. Emergency exits, if present at all, are sometimes kept locked. Even more alarming is the fact that neither students nor members of the staff receive training in basic fire safety procedures. Fire drills are rarely held, meaning that in a real emergency, confusion reigns, costing precious lives.
Today village schools are getting two- to four-storey buildings and those schools are particularly at risk of catching fire and turning into tragic spots unless wiring is done well and regular maintenance carried out.
Worryingly, our national curriculum includes no lessons on fire safety or emergency response. There is no instruction on how to use a fire extinguisher, where to assemble during a crisis, or whom to notify. These are basic, life-saving skills that should be considered essential knowledge for every student.
Fire safety systems must be made mandatory in every school. This includes installing and maintaining operational fire extinguishers, conducting regular emergency drills, and providing training for teachers and staff. Emergency response education should be incorporated into the national curriculum at all levels of schooling.
Strict compliance with the National Building Code and fire safety regulations must be enforced in new school buildings, and vulnerable older structures must be renovated urgently. The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department should be formally involved with school-based awareness and training programmes.
Md. Shamim Mia
Student, Fulchhari Government College
Jumarbari, Saghata, Gaibandha
