Bangladesh Navy and Fire Service and Civil Defence conducted a joint situational training exercise at BNS Isa Khan in Chattogram on Tuesday to strengthen the operational capability and preparedness of the Chemical Disaster Response Team. The Navy managed the exercise, with 41 members of Agrabad Fire Service and Civil Defence and 455 Navy personnel taking part.

The drill practised responses to chemical accident emergencies, including securing incident sites, controlling hazardous areas, preventing the spread of chemicals, rescuing affected and at-risk people, providing first aid and moving them to safe locations. Participants also rehearsed fire control and firefighting, while emphasising damage assessment, responder safety and continuity of emergency services.

Members of participating agencies practised communication, task allocation and coordinated decision-making in a realistic chemical emergency scenario. The Bangladesh National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention regularly organises the Basic Assistance and Protection Course for Responders to develop stakeholder skills. The exercise was described as important for swift rescue and control during potential chemical accidents or fires at ports, ships, industrial facilities and other key installations.