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Experts have warned that the tremor could be a precursor to a major, devastating earthquake, and that if the government does not take immediate action, the damage could be much greater. Three mild tremors continued to shake the country on Saturday, further increasing public fear.
Stronger earthquake may hit Bangladesh
Dhaka: A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, killing at least 10 people and damaging numerous buildings in several districts, including the capital, Dhaka. Experts have warned that the tremor could be a precursor to a major, devastating earthquake, and that if the government does not take immediate action, the damage could be much greater. Three mild tremors continued to shake the country on Saturday, further increasing public fear.
Dhaka's fragile state exposed
According to a report in a local newspaper, Friday's earthquake clearly highlights the "fragility of Dhaka." The Dhaka district administration has confirmed damage to 14 buildings. RAJUK has confirmed damage to more than 50 buildings, and believes this number will increase as the investigation progresses.
RAJUK Chairman M. Riazul Islam said, "Our investigation is ongoing. Many more buildings will be found vulnerable." RAJUK has been accused of negligence in construction supervision and understaffing for years.
Stern Warning from Experts
Prof. Munaz Ahmed Noor, Vice President of the Bangladesh Earthquake Society, said that RAJUK "always wakes up only after a major disaster." He stressed that strict adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code is mandatory. According to Noor, problems often lie not in the design but in its implementation, such as incorrect placement of iron reinforcement. Meanwhile, Prof.
Mehdi Ahmed Ansari of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology warned that buildings showing cracks or damage should be immediately evaluated, categorized based on risk, and action should be taken. "These recent tremors could also be a precursor to a major earthquake," he said. "If steps are not taken now, a major incident could result in massive loss of life."
India-Burma Subduction Zone – A Burdened Threat
Senior seismologist Syed Humayun Akhtar stated that a lot of energy is accumulating in the India-Burma subduction zone, which could trigger a massive earthquake at any time. Dhaka is among the 20 most earthquake-prone cities in the world. Dense population, old and dilapidated buildings, and illegal construction make it even more vulnerable. Historically, between 1869 and 1930, the region experienced five major earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 7.0.
Action plan in limbo, government buildings also at risk
In 2022, Rajuk declared 42 buildings immediately subject to demolition and 187 requiring retrofitting. However, according to reports, most orders have not yet been implemented. These vulnerable buildings include several government buildings, including the Department of Education Engineering, the Department of Health Education, the LGED, Jagannath University, Dhaka University, the Madrasa Education Board, the Leather Technology Institute, and the Medical University Hospital. Rajuk chief Riazul Islam said that since many of the buildings are government-owned, a new, comprehensive investigation is needed.
According to Riazul Islam, "This earthquake is a major warning. Science suggests that stronger tremors may occur in the future." Experts recommended that Rajuk issue a public notice so that people can have their buildings structurally assessed.
Even if external damage is not visible, internal stresses can exist, which cannot be ignored. The government should immediately deploy a team and update the risk map of the entire city.
