Brig Gen Sultanul Afreen Zunaid calls for adherence to chain of command, prompt resolution of staff grievancesMohammad Abu Hanif: The new Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Brigadier General Sultanul Afreen Zunaid, has emphasised maintaining discipline, professionalism and service quality across the force, calling on all personnel to follow the chain of command and discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and commitment.He made the remarks at a ‘Director General’s Durbar’ held at the headquarters of the Fire Service and Civil Defence in Dhaka on Sunday morning, October 25, following his assumption of office.Addressing officers and employees from different levels of the organisation, the new chief outlined his vision for improving operational activities and the overall performance of the emergency service agency. He stressed that maintaining a disciplined force requires strict adherence to the chain of command and proper execution of responsibilities by every member.The meeting also provided an opportunity for personnel to share their views, raise workplace concerns and seek solutions to administrative problems.At the beginning of his speech, Sultanul Afreen Zunaid paid tribute to former directors general and officials whose contributions helped establish the Fire Service and Civil Defence as a respected institution. He also honoured the members who sacrificed their lives while carrying out operational duties.Expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to lead the service-oriented organisation, he said he intended to apply the knowledge, professional experience and training acquired throughout his career to the development of the force.Fire Service personnel play a vital role in responding to fires, conducting rescue operations and managing other emergencies. Emphasising the importance of efficiency and professionalism in these operations, the director general praised firefighters for their dedication and sincerity in carrying out field duties.He urged them to maintain the same level of commitment and professionalism in the future to ensure that people receive effective assistance during emergencies.Beyond delivering directives, the new director general listened to the opinions of officers and employees attending the meeting in person and those joining online from different parts of the country. He responded to their questions and explained his position on various applications and problems raised during the discussion. He also expressed optimism about resolving legitimate requests from officers and employees on a priority basis.The initiative to engage directly with personnel is significant for strengthening internal communication and addressing administrative concerns within an organisation whose performance often determines the safety of people and their property.Timely decisions on staff grievances, improved coordination and clear lines of responsibility can contribute to a more effective working environment. However, the impact of such initiatives will depend on how consistently the commitments are translated into administrative decisions and operational improvements.Directors of the department, project directors, the managing director of the Welfare Trust and officers and employees working in Dhaka attended the programme. Divisional deputy directors and district-level officials joined online from their respective workplaces.According to a press release issued by the Fire Service and Civil Defence media cell, the programme concluded at noon.The emphasis on discipline, accountability and service quality comes at a time when the performance of emergency responders remains crucial to public safety. From extinguishing fires and rescuing trapped people to responding to accidents and other emergencies, the force is expected to provide timely, coordinated and professional assistance.For ordinary citizens, the ultimate measure of the new leadership's success will be whether these priorities lead to faster emergency responses, more effective rescue operations and better-quality services across the country. While the director general's commitment to hearing staff concerns and prioritising legitimate applications may help strengthen institutional morale, sustained improvements will require effective implementation, regular monitoring and accountability at every level of the organisation.