The document summarizes the institutionalization of PEER (Preparedness and Emergency Response) training within the Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) of Bangladesh over the past two decades. It outlines key milestones such as integrating PEER lessons into FSCD courses in 2008 and accrediting courses through the Bangladesh Technical Education Board. Over 2,000 students have graduated from these courses and 250 instructors have been trained. PEER training has helped strengthen FSCD's emergency response capacity. While progress has been made, full institutionalization remains a work in progress, with challenges such as engaging different government stakeholders and securing dedicated resources.

1. 4 August 2021
BANGLADESH FIRE SERVICE & CIVIL DEFENSE (FSCD)
Dhaka, Bangladesh

2. CASE STUDY
PEER INSTITUTIONALIZATION
Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD)
BANGLADESH

3. “Human-induced disasters
are the most unpredictable.
The FSCD knows that you
have entrusted us with your
safety for the most
unexpected events.”
Md. Abdul Momen
Assistant Director (Training),
Fire Service and Civil Defence
Bangladesh

4. The PEER-FSCD Collaboration
In 2003,
USAID BHA
identified the FSCD
as the national
implementing
institute of PEER-02.
The FSCD, NSET, and
the ICC of PEER jointly
organized regional
meetings with different
organizations to rollout of
PEER in Bangladesh.
FSCD, DDM, and MoDMR
catalyzed PEER collaborations
with the MoHFW, DGHS,
NIPSOM and BDRCS

5. Key Milestones in PEER Institutionalization
2002
FSCD’s
Engagement with
PEER
Relevant stakeholders,
FSCD’s Engagement
with PEER was
commenced.
2020
Multi-stakeholder
Meeting
Relevant stakeholders from
various sectors convened
to review and update the
PEER curriculum.
2016
Incorporation of CSSR
& MFR Modules in
BTEB Course
The Bangladesh Technical
Educations Board (BTEB)
accredited course “Fire
Science and Occupational
Safety”, and “Fire Safety
Manager Course”,
2008
Integration of PEER into
FSCD courses
PEER’s lessons have
become an integrated in the
one-year foundation course
for new FSCD officers and
the six-month foundation
course for new firefighters.
The Bangladesh
National University
accredited “Fire
Science and
Technology in PGD
course

6. Numbers at a Glance
Highlights of PEER Institutionalization
2144 Students
graduated under Fire
Safety Manager
Course and Fire
Science &
Occupational Safety
Course
47,000 Volunteers
developed through
INGO/NGO network
2,567 Volunteers
trained in Chittagong,
Dhaka, and Sylhet
250 Instructors
developed under
CADRE,CSSR & MFR
(2004 - 2018)

7. How PEER
Catalyzed FSCD’s
Operations
• PEER engagement was one of the key
catalyst in FSCD operations in capacity
building and actual responses.
• Applied knowledge, skills and experiences
gathered from PEER was helpful to
respond in The Spectrum Garments
collapse (2005) and Rana Plaza
Collapse (2013).
• Strengthened the capacity of FSCD
through receiving equipment from PEER

8. Acknowledgement of Institutionalization of
PEER in FSCD
“
FSCD is now well equipped with skilled
human resources through PEER
initiatives. Institutionalization of PEER
courses in my training institute is a
tremendous accomplishment on the part
of the FSCD.”
-Mr. Babul Chakraborty, the principal of the Fire Service
Training
Mr. Babul Chakraborty,
Principal, Training Complex
Fire Service and Civil Defence
Bangladesh

9. Inter operability of different agencies through
PEER initiatives
We acted with greater efficiency
during the Spectra garment
building collapse in 2005. Our
efforts supported to the
Bangladesh army, working with
them ingrained a sense of
confidence to perform during
such large scale operations.”
Mr. Mohammad Mamun
Fire Service and Civil Defence
Barguna, Bangladesh

10. Hurdles along the Way
PEER Phases 1 to 4 (1998 - 2019)
focused on capacity building.
Institutionalization was introduced
by Phase 5, making it a new
challenge for the program to
familiarize its partners with.
Partners like FSCD, CPP, DDM,
MoDMR, NIPSOM and other
partners are not the authorities to
accredit these courses.
As institutionalization is not a
core mandate for the partners,
they don’t have adequate
resources or funds for the process.
Systematic processes experienced
unsteady progression as the respective
government officials and focal persons
are frequently changing.
Issues
and
Challenges

11. Beyond 2021: FSCD Outlook on
Institutionalizing PEER
Covering all 456
Fire Stations of
Bangladesh under
CADRE foundation
courses as per
APA
Establishing
Banghabandhu
Fire Academy and
Integration of
PEER Courses
Developing and
disseminating
National
Institutionalization
Strategy
Conducting Policy
Dialogue on
PEER
Institutionalization
Collaborating with
other key
stakeholders for
PEER
institutionalization
and Organizing
Regional Learning
Sharing Event
Establishment of
CSSR & MFR as
Separate
Department

12. “I have trained 22
urban community
volunteers as a
fireman and assistant
fire manager. Following
the completion of the
course, I became more
qualified for my current
job. I use my story to
inspire others to join
the course.”
“I am very active and
know how to navigate
search and rescue
operations in the
context of earthquakes,
road accidents, and
floods.”
Abdur Rahim
Volunteer, FSCD
Fatema Akter Diba
Volunteer Instructor

13. “Human-induced disasters are
the most unpredictable. The
FSCD knows that you have
entrusted us with your safety for
the most unexpected events.”
Md. Abdul Momen
Assistant Director (Training),
Fire Service and Civil Defence
Directorate, Dhaka
Thank You