Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) – Referring to the recent destruction and casualties, academics and researchers termed earthquake risks as a major challenge to sustainable development.

They unequivocally called for time-fitting measures for constructing earthquake-resilient infrastructures along with mitigating post-disaster losses.

They came up with the observations while addressing a daylong seminar titled "Earthquake Situation in Bangladesh and Sustainable Development" at the conference hall of Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) today.

Prof Niamul Bari and Prof Kamruzzaman from the Department of Civil Engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) addressed the seminar as focal persons, disseminating their expertise on the issue, with RDA Chairman SM Tuhinur Alam in the chair.

RDA Chief Executive Officer Moshiur Rahman also spoke.

Prof Niamul Bari gave an overview of the issue while presenting his keynote titled "Understanding the Earthquake Scenario of Bangladesh for Sustainable Development and Building Safer Cities."

He told the seminar that some regions of Bangladesh are prone to earthquakes, so the time has come to remain alert in this regard.

In the meeting, aspects of earthquake-resilience building were discussed elaborately concerning Rajshahi, emphasizing a multi-pronged approach covering structural integrity, emergency preparedness, infrastructure protection and public awareness.

These efforts aim to mitigate the significant seismic risk the region faces.