Published : 30 Nov 2025, 02:46 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:49 PM
Engineers and experts have underlined the importance of using modern construction technology to reduce loss of life and property during earthquakes.
On Saturday, at a seminar titled “Earthquake Awareness, Safety Protocols and Emergency Preparedness” in a Dhaka hotel, they spoke about the heightened seismic risk in the city.
Engineer Abdullah Al Hossain Chowdhury Rizvi said, “The expanded areas of Dhaka, especially Bashundhara, Jalsiri and Purbachal, are geologically the most earthquake-prone.
“Modern technology must be used in infrastructure. Soil testing reports must be verified before construction.”
“Rapid urbanisation, dense population, disregard for building codes and narrow roads further complicate the situation,” he added.
According to him, the number of casualties during earthquakes rises more due to weak building construction than the earthquake itself.
“These areas must be inspected quickly. Buildings should be designed according to soil conditions. That’s where the major problems arise,” he said.
Chowdhury Rizvi noted that Bangladesh is located at the junction of three active tectonic plates -- Indian, Myanmar and Eurasian. The country faces high seismic risk from the Sylhet Dauki Fault, Chittagong–Arakan Fault and Myanmar’s Sagaing Fault.
Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, managing director of JCX Developments Limited which organised the seminar, said: “Recent tremors in Dhaka have reminded us of the country’s vulnerability. Rapid urbanisation, high population density and weak buildings could turn any major earthquake into a disaster.
“Awareness, preparation and capacity building are urgent needs. Strong cooperation among the state, housing sector and citizens is essential. Action cannot wait.”
Japanese earthquake-resistant architecture specialist Keiichiro Sakao, founder of Sako Architect, said: “Modern technology and durable building designs can reduce the impact of earthquakes. Japan’s experience offers lessons for Bangladesh.”
Hisaya Sugiyama, principal of Veritas Japan LLC, said: “Japan has developed earthquake-resilient cities by following regulations. Bangladesh can halve potential damage by adopting safe building practices.
“Learning from Japan’s post-earthquake experiences can significantly reduce risks.”
The seminar highlighted that more than 200 earthquakes have been recorded in Bangladesh over the past century, with tremors increasing since 2024.
Columbia University’s 2016 research, cited at the seminar, noted that the accumulated energy along the subduction zone from Sylhet to Teknaf over the past 800–1,000 years remains unreleased, signalling serious concern.
