A fire licence in Bangladesh is required for warehouses, workshops, factories and other premises that store or use flammable materials, and fire safety approvals are needed for many buildings before construction and occupancy. The Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003 and the rules made under it give the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department power to license, inspect and close unsafe premises. After a series of deadly fires, enforcement has become far stricter.
- The Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003 requires licences for premises used as warehouses or workshops for flammable goods and for other specified uses.
- Fire safety plans for many new buildings, especially high-rise and commercial buildings, must be approved by the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department.
- Applications are increasingly handled online, followed by site inspection and payment of fees.
- Licences must be renewed, and fire safety systems maintained, to remain compliant.
- Operating without a licence or with unsafe conditions can lead to fines, imprisonment, sealing of premises and liability for any fire.
Why fire licensing matters
Bangladesh has suffered devastating fires in factories, chemical warehouses, markets and commercial buildings, including the Tazreen factory fire in 2012, the Nimtoli and Chawkbazar chemical fires and the Bailey Road building fire in 2024. Each tragedy has increased scrutiny of fire safety. A fire licence in Bangladesh is therefore not a formality but evidence that a business has assessed and controlled its fire risks. Lenders, insurers, buyers and landlords increasingly ask to see it.
Our regulatory compliance practice helps businesses obtain licences, respond to notices and manage fire safety obligations.
Who needs a fire licence
| Type of premises | Fire requirement |
|---|---|
| Warehouses storing flammable or combustible goods | Fire licence |
| Workshops and factories using flammable materials or processes | Fire licence and fire safety measures |
| Chemical, LPG, fuel and similar storage | Fire licence, often with additional permits from other authorities |
| Shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and offices | Fire safety plan approval and certificates |
| High-rise and large buildings | Fire safety plan approval before construction and clearance before occupancy |
The categories and thresholds are set by the Fire Rules and related notifications. If in doubt, businesses should assume that a fire licence in Bangladesh or fire safety approval is required and confirm with the department.
The application process
- Assess the requirement. Identify the use of the premises, the materials stored and the building type.
- Design fire protection. Plan exits, extinguishers, hydrants, alarms, sprinklers and other systems according to the Act, rules and the national building code.
- Prepare documents. Gather trade licence, ownership or lease documents, floor plans, building approval and details of fire equipment.
- Apply online. Submit the application through the Fire Service and Civil Defence online system with the required documents.
- Inspection. Fire officers inspect the premises to verify safety measures.
- Fees and licence. Pay the prescribed fees and receive the licence.
- Renewal. Renew the licence on time and keep systems maintained.
Do not treat inspection as the finish line. Keep fire equipment serviced, exits clear and staff trained every day. Many enforcement actions follow surprise inspections of premises that passed initial inspection but later let standards slip.
Fire safety plans for buildings
For many buildings, including high-rise, commercial and public assembly buildings, the fire safety plan must be approved before construction, and a fire clearance obtained before occupancy. The plan covers escape routes and stairs, fire separation, detection and alarm systems, sprinklers, hydrants, water reserves, emergency lighting, fire lifts and access for fire vehicles. These requirements align with Part 4 of the Bangladesh National Building Code 2020. Developers should integrate fire design early, because changes after construction are costly.
Inspections and enforcement
Holding a fire licence in Bangladesh brings regular inspections. Fire officers can inspect premises, issue notices requiring improvements within a set time, and, where risks are serious, seal premises or stop activities. Mobile courts have fined businesses and sealed buildings found operating without approvals or with blocked exits and faulty equipment. A fire licence in Bangladesh does not protect a business if conditions on the ground are unsafe.
Penalties
Operating without a fire licence in Bangladesh is a serious offence. The Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003 provides fines and imprisonment for operating without a licence, breaching licence conditions and obstructing fire officers. Where a fire causes death or injury, owners and managers may also face criminal charges under the Penal Code and civil claims. Insurance claims may be refused if the business breached fire safety conditions.
Documents commonly required
An application for a fire licence in Bangladesh typically needs a set of supporting documents. These usually include the trade licence, proof of ownership or a registered lease for the premises, the approved building plan or occupancy documents, floor layouts showing exits and fire equipment, a list of stored materials with quantities, details of fire extinguishers, hydrants, alarms and sprinklers, evidence of trained fire wardens, and identity documents of the owner or authorised person. Industrial premises may also need factory licence and environmental clearance documents. Incomplete files are the main cause of delays.
Fire safety systems that inspectors check
- Number, type and maintenance records of fire extinguishers.
- Clear, marked and unlocked emergency exits and escape routes.
- Fire alarm and detection systems and their testing records.
- Sprinklers, hydrants and water reserves where required.
- Emergency lighting and exit signage.
- Safe electrical installations and wiring.
- Safe storage and separation of flammable materials.
- Trained staff and records of fire drills.
Meeting these requirements is central to obtaining and keeping a fire licence in Bangladesh, and they also form the basis of buyer and insurer audits.
Chemical and hazardous materials
Premises storing chemicals, solvents, LPG cylinders, fuel or other hazardous materials face additional rules. Depending on the substance, permits may be needed from the Department of Explosives, the Department of Environment and other authorities, in addition to a fire licence in Bangladesh. After the Chawkbazar fire, the government moved to relocate chemical warehouses out of residential areas of Old Dhaka. Businesses dealing in chemicals should check location restrictions, storage limits and labelling rules carefully.
Factories and export industries
For factories, especially in the ready-made garment and textile sectors, fire safety is a condition of doing business with international brands. Factories must comply with the Labour Act 2006 safety provisions, DIFE requirements and fire service rules, and many are monitored by the RMG Sustainability Council or brand programmes. A valid fire licence in Bangladesh, together with remediation of fire safety findings, is a standard item in buyer audits.
Restaurants, shopping centres and commercial buildings
The Bailey Road fire in February 2024 highlighted risks in commercial buildings housing many restaurants, often in buildings approved only for offices or residences. Since then, authorities have inspected and sealed restaurants operating without fire approvals or in unsuitable buildings. Restaurant owners should confirm that the building is approved for commercial use, that gas installations are safe, that exits are adequate, and that a fire licence in Bangladesh or fire safety clearance has been obtained as required.
Landlords and tenants
When premises are leased, responsibility for fire safety should be allocated clearly. Landlords usually control the building structure, common escape routes, hydrants and building-wide alarms, while tenants control their own fit-out, equipment and storage. The tenant often needs its own fire licence in Bangladesh for its business activity, while the landlord holds building-level approvals. Leases should require both parties to cooperate with inspections, maintain systems and share documents, and should address what happens if the authorities seal the building.
Insurance and fire safety
Fire insurance policies commonly require the insured to comply with fire safety laws and maintain protective systems. If a fire occurs and the business lacked a fire licence in Bangladesh or had disabled alarms or blocked exits, the insurer may dispute or reduce the claim. Businesses should share fire safety information with insurers honestly, keep maintenance records and review policy conditions annually. Good fire safety can also reduce premiums.
Renewal and record keeping
Renewal of a fire licence in Bangladesh usually requires an application before expiry, payment of renewal fees and, in some cases, re-inspection. Businesses should keep a compliance file containing the licence, inspection reports, equipment service records, drill logs, training certificates and correspondence with the department. A clear file speeds up renewals and demonstrates diligence if a fire or inspection occurs.
Responding to notices and sealing orders
If the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department issues a notice, act quickly. Read the deficiencies carefully, appoint a qualified fire safety consultant if needed, prepare a remediation plan with timelines, and communicate with the department in writing. Where premises have been sealed, a formal application with evidence of corrective work is usually required before reopening. Legal advice helps ensure that responses protect the business and that any unlawful or disproportionate orders can be challenged. Prompt action is the best way to restore a fire licence in Bangladesh and resume operations.
Compliance checklist
- Confirm whether your premises require a fire licence in Bangladesh or a fire safety approval.
- Ensure the building is approved for its current use.
- Install and maintain required fire protection systems.
- Keep exits clear, marked and unlocked during working hours.
- Train staff and hold regular fire drills.
- Renew the licence on time and keep a compliance file.
Fire safety training and drills
Equipment alone does not save lives; people must know how to use it. Businesses should appoint and train fire wardens, teach staff to use extinguishers, display evacuation plans and hold regular drills. Records of training and drills support applications for a fire licence in Bangladesh and show inspectors that the business takes safety seriously. The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department and private trainers offer courses. Keep certificates on file, refresh training regularly, and include new staff in drills so that every shift is prepared for an emergency and ready for the next fire licence in Bangladesh renewal.
Frequently asked questions about fire licence in bangladesh
Which law governs fire licences?
The Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003 and the rules made under it.
Do all businesses need a fire licence?
No, but warehouses, workshops and premises using or storing flammable materials do, and many buildings need fire safety approvals.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Applications are made through the Fire Service and Civil Defence online system, followed by inspection.
How long is a licence valid?
Licences are renewable, usually yearly; check the current rules and renew on time.
What happens if I operate without one?
Fines, imprisonment, sealing of premises and liability for losses can follow.
Does a high-rise building need fire approval?
Yes. Fire safety plans must be approved before construction and clearance obtained before occupancy.
How we can help
We advise businesses and developers on the fire licence in Bangladesh and fire safety approvals: applications, compliance audits, responses to notices, sealing orders, insurance issues and liability after incidents. Learn more about our regulatory compliance practice.
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Book a consultationCompliance practicePrimary sources: the Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Act 2003 on the Laws of Bangladesh portal; licensing information from the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department; building approvals from RAJUK.
This article is general information about Bangladeshi fire safety regulation as of October 2026 and is not legal or technical advice. Requirements, fees and procedures change; confirm current rules with the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department or a qualified adviser.
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