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RAJUK Chairman Engr. Md Riazul Islam has said authorities are taking phased measures to identify faulty buildings in Dhaka and reduce earthquake risks, warning that structural flaws—not just height—are the main cause of collapses.
Speaking at a discussion titled “Earthquake Risk in Bangladesh: What We Must Do,” organised by the Dhaka Utility Reporters Association (DURA) at the National Press Club on Saturday (August 8), he said unsafe design, poor soil conditions, and construction irregularities significantly increase vulnerability during earthquakes.
“Ensuring approved designs, proper soil testing, and engineering standards is essential for safe construction,” he said.
Riazul Islam noted that assessing all buildings in the capital at once is not feasible, given their vast number. Instead, RAJUK has adopted a phased approach that includes Rapid Visual Assessment, Preliminary Engineering Assessment, and Detailed Engineering Assessment.
He also announced plans to establish a research institute to strengthen RAJUK’s capacity in earthquake preparedness, risk assessment, and public awareness.
Emphasising coordinated efforts, the RAJUK chairman said reducing earthquake risks is not the responsibility of a single agency. City corporations, disaster management authorities, and the fire service must work together. An effective city governance system would further improve coordination and urban management, he added.
On construction violations, he warned that no building approved for six storeys would be allowed to rise illegally to ten, nor would deviations from approved designs be tolerated. “No approval will be given without proper technical and legal verification,” he said.
He also stressed accountability among architects and engineers, saying they must take responsibility not only for design approval but also for supervision during construction. Legal action will be taken in cases of negligence or misconduct.
Building owners were urged to follow approved plans and obtain occupancy certificates, while the media was encouraged to report irregularities to help authorities take action.
Riazul Islam said his goal is to transform RAJUK’s limited enforcement presence into a stronger, more effective one by identifying violations, risky structures, and urban management challenges. “This cannot be done overnight, but the process has begun,” he added.
Speaking at the event, REHAB Vice President Md Abdur Razzaq called for greater public awareness about construction risks and urged engineers and regulatory bodies to act with integrity and professionalism.
Professor Dr Adil Mohammad Khan, Executive Director of the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD), highlighted that earthquake risk also depends on location and soil conditions. Unplanned housing projects on weak or wetland further increase vulnerability, he warned, calling for stricter enforcement.
Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said identifying buildings with unauthorised additional floors is critical, noting that among roughly 600,000 buildings in Dhaka, many may pose risks.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Director Saleh Uddin said earthquake preparedness requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. He noted that 41 fire stations around Dhaka have been earmarked for emergency response, with specialised teams ready, but added that more comprehensive preparedness is needed.
“People do not usually die directly from earthquakes, but from collapsing structures,” he said, stressing compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) and fire safety standards, along with preparedness at family and community levels.
DURA President Shahjahan Molla also called for a more proactive media role in raising awareness about earthquake risks, saying accurate information can support both public understanding and policy decisions.
The session was moderated by DURA General Secretary Zahirul Islam and attended by journalists and officials from various organisations.