The 2014 Rules were drafted and enacted under the powers conferred by Section 33 of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Act, 2003 (Act No. 9 of 2003). While the Act provides the broad statutory authority, the Rules provide the specific procedural details, technical standards, and administrative forms required for implementation.
The PDF version of the original 2014 Rules (officially known as Agni Protirodh O Nibaron Bidhimala, 2014) can be found on the official website of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (www.fireservice.gov.bd) under the "Laws/Acts" section. It is also available on the legislative documents archive of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Fire Prevention and Extinction Rules 2014 (অগ্নি প্রতিরোধ ও নির্বাপণ বিধিমালা, ২০১৪) provide the regulatory framework for fire safety in Bangladesh, supplementing the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003. You can find the official document here:
Official Gazette (PDF): Bangladesh Government Press Gazette 2014 English Guide/SOP: Fire Safety Clearance SOP Key Requirements of the 2014 Rules
The rules mandate specific safety measures for high-rise, commercial, and industrial buildings:
Occupancy Certificate: Required for all multi-storied or commercial buildings to ensure they meet safety standards before use.
Building Design Approval: Structural designs and layouts must be approved by the Directorate General of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD).
Fire Safety Plan: Factories and businesses must maintain a detailed fire safety plan, including evacuation routes and equipment placement.
Annual Fire License: All warehouses and factories must obtain and renew a fire license annually. Fire Prevention & Extinction Measures
Buildings are required to be equipped with specific active and passive fire protection systems:
Detection & Alarms: Installation of smoke, heat, and fire detectors capable of promptly notifying occupants.
Extinguishing Equipment: Mandatory provision of fire extinguishers, hose reels, and automatic sprinkler systems.
Structural Safety: Use of fire-resistant construction materials and the inclusion of multiple means of egress (staircases and fire exits). fire prevention and extinction rules 2014 bangladesh pdf
Training & Drills: Regular fire drills must be conducted as per the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC). How to Get a Fire License
Businesses can apply for a fire license through the following steps:
Application: Submit the prescribed form to the Deputy/Assistant Director of FSCD.
Required Documents: Include a layout/floor plan approved by RAJUK or the local municipality, rent agreement (if applicable), and treasury challan for the fee.
Inspection: Authorities will inspect the premises to verify compliance with the 2014 Rules.
Issuance: If all safety criteria are met, the Fire License is issued.
💡 Key Fact: The standard fire license fee in Bangladesh is approximately 8,000 BDT.
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Fire Prevention and Extinction Rules 2014 (অগ্নি প্রতিরোধ ও নির্বাপণ বিধিমালা ২০১৪) serve as the primary secondary legislation for implementing the Fire Prevention and Extinction Act, 2003
in Bangladesh. These rules define the administrative procedures and technical standards required for fire safety compliance in commercial, residential, and industrial structures. Department of Printing and Publications Key Provisions & Requirements
The 2014 Rules mandate several critical safety and administrative measures for building owners and occupants: The Daily Star Occupancy Certificate (Rule 22)
: Building owners must apply for an occupancy certificate once construction is complete. This certificate confirms that the building meets all safety requirements specified in the approved design and the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) Structural Approval The 2014 Rules were drafted and enacted under
: Multi-storied commercial or industrial buildings must have their structural design and layout approved by the
Directorate General of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) before construction begins. Fire Drills and Training
: Mandatory regular fire drills and training sessions must be conducted for all building occupants to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies. Fire Safety Equipment
: Buildings are required to install appropriate fire detection and alarm systems, as well as fire-fighting equipment (such as extinguishers, fire pumps, and hoses) as per the BNBC and FSCD standards. Safety Inspections
: Authorities have the right to inspect buildings to verify that safety measures—such as adequate exit routes and fire-resistant materials—are in place. The Daily Star Fire License Application Process
Securing a fire license is a multi-step process managed by the Fire Service and Civil Defence Application
: Submission of the application form and required documents (e.g., building plans, trade license) via the BEZA-OSS website or local FSCD offices. Inspection
: FSCD officials conduct a physical inspection of the premises to assess fire hazards and safety readiness. Fee Assessment
: A licensing fee is calculated based on the building type and occupancy. License Issuance
: Once all safety violations are addressed and fees are paid, a fire license is issued, which must be renewed annually. objectstorage.ap-dcc-gazipur-1.oraclecloud15.com Enforcement and Penalties
Failure to comply with these rules can result in severe consequences under the 2003 Act: The Daily Star Imprisonment and Fines
: Contravention of safety requirements can lead to imprisonment for up to or significant fines. License Cancellation Note: The rules are strictly enforced regarding the
: The Director General can cancel or suspend an operating license for non-compliance with safety standards. specific documents
required for a fire license application in a particular industry?
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All you need to know about fire safety regulations in Bangladesh
The rules apply to a wide variety of structures and premises, categorized broadly as:
Note: The rules are strictly enforced regarding the issuance of Trade Licenses and Building Completion Certificates; no local government body can issue these without prior clearance from the Fire Service.
If a building owner fails to comply with the rules or an Improvement Notice:
The FSCD acts as the regulatory authority under these rules. Their powers include:
Before diving into the PDF, one must understand the legal gap they filled. Prior to 2014, Bangladesh relied on the Fire Prevention and Extinction Act, 1981 (Act No. 5 of 1981) and its accompanying rules. However, the 1981 framework was insufficient for modern infrastructure:
The Fire Prevention and Extinction Rules, 2014 were enacted under Section 22 of the 1981 Act to modernize these provisions. They are legally binding for all commercial, industrial, and residential buildings (over a certain threshold).
Following major tragedies, such as the FR Tower fire (2019) and the Chawkbazar fire (2019), the government has moved to strengthen these rules.
However, for the purpose of this report on the 2014 text, it remains the legislative baseline from which current safety standards evolved.
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Comprehensive Review of Legislative Framework, Compliance Requirements, and Enforcement Mechanisms
