Photo: BSS

 
DHAKA, Nov 29, 2025 (BSS) - Experts from home and abroad have urged immediate action to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, if strong earthquake may hit the country.  
 
They asserted that timely and proper preparation, coupled with public awareness and the use of modern technology, could significantly reduce loss and fatalities even during a large-scale tremor.
 
The observation was made at a seminar titled “Earthquake Awareness, Safety Protocols & Emergency Preparedness,” which was organized by JCX Developments Limited and held at a city hotel.
 
Md Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of JCX Developments Limited, noted in his welcoming speech that recent tremors felt in the city served as a sharp reminder of the country’s vulnerability.
 
He stressed that increasing awareness, preparation, and capacity is now the demand of the time.
 
 He asserted that earthquake risk can only be tackled if three pillars—the state, the housing sector, and the public—are strong.
 
Historical data shows that over 200 earthquakes have been recorded in Bangladesh in the last 100 years, with the frequency of tremors increasing since 2024.
  
Experts observed that the risk level of earthquakes has increased due to factors such as rapid urbanization, high population density, neglected building codes, and narrow roads.
 
 Attendees, including renowned engineers, architects, real estate entrepreneurs, policymakers, and government representatives, agreed that proper preparation is the only way to reduce major collapse, loss, and fatalities.
 
The experts, including prominent figures like Professor Dr. M. Shamim Z. Bosunia, Professor Dr. Syed Fakhrul Amin (BUET), and two Japanese seismic architecture specialists, Keiichiro Sako and Hisaya Sugiyama, offered several emergency recommendations:
 
They opined that constructing earthquake-resistant buildings and conducting structural audits of existing structures.
 
They also laid emphasis on ensuring strict implementation of building codes and digitizing the approval process.
 
They urged for installing at least 50 new modern seismic stations and developing Geospatial Information System (GIS) and AI-based risk modeling. 
 
They focused on increasing emergency rescue capabilities and equipping rescue forces with modern equipment and mandating regular earthquake drills  in schools, colleges, and offices.
 
They highlighted on regular drills, awareness activities, and family-based emergency preparation for citizens.
 
 Sako and Sugiyama shared crucial insights into Japan's post-earthquake experiences, safe infrastructure design, and modern sustainable construction standards.
 
The speakers agreed that Bangladesh, by adhering to regulations as Japan has, could potentially reduce earthquake damage by up to 50 per cent.
 
 They concluded that only integrated initiatives across all levels—government and private—can forge an earthquake-resilient Bangladesh.