Dhaka, Nov 22 (V7N) – Following Friday’s earthquake, concerns have intensified over the structural safety of buildings across Dhaka, particularly in the older parts of the city. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser on Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources, warned that the entire city, including Old Dhaka, is highly vulnerable to seismic activity and called for immediate engineering reinforcement of old and illegally constructed buildings.

Speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Indigenous Food and Grain Fair in Mirpur, Hasan said the city has not experienced such strong tremors in the past five years. “Repeated warnings have been issued, but preparedness has long been neglected. Delay is no longer an option. Old buildings must now be structurally strengthened with engineering solutions,” she said.

Hasan noted that while many new buildings largely comply with building codes, a significant number of older structures were either constructed without approval or in violation of regulations, creating the greatest risk. According to the Dhaka Development Authority (RAJUK), 90 percent of building approvals show irregularities, Hasan added.

Old Dhaka is particularly at risk due to high population density, limited space, and numerous older structures. Hasan emphasized the urgent need for engineering and technological solutions to reinforce these buildings. She suggested implementing a three-year program focusing on earthquake and fire risk, including training, mapping weak buildings, planning retrofits, improving firefighting equipment, and ensuring local community participation.

Highlighting gaps in disaster preparedness, Hasan said, “If a stronger disaster strikes, do we have the necessary plans and training? Deficiencies in training, limited rescue capacity, neglected building safety, and weak fire services can result in catastrophic consequences.”

Authorities and experts are now urged to prioritize immediate structural assessments, reinforcement, and community-based disaster readiness to minimize potential losses in future seismic events.

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