The home ministry has taken this decision in the wake of a series of factory fires, particularly in garment units, causing huge loss of lives and property, sources said.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Department teams, each headed by a magistrate, will conduct the operation.

The department has already issued letters to trade bodies in different sectors about the drive.

A high official of fire service said the drive will detect how many factories are operating without fire safety licence and how many are violating the Fire Protection Act 2003.

The Act provides that all buildings, including industrial units and commercial establishments, must have sufficient fire-fighting equipment and comply with public safety measures.

It says high rise buildings and commercial units must have emergency exits, elevators and emergency electricity supply.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is also taking action against non-compliant factories.

The BGMEA has so far identified 169 garment factories with risk of fire, said its Vice President Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury.

"We have already proposed to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to put some of its officials on our vigilance teams to ensure its representation," he said.