Many buildings in Old Dhaka, Sylhet and Chattogram are at serious risk of collapsing into rubble if a major earthquake strikes. Experts warn that Dhaka alone has around six hundred thousand buildings considered highly vulnerable, a large proportion of which are located in the densely populated areas of Old Dhaka. Ageing structures, unplanned urban development, narrow roads and extreme population density have significantly increased the capital’s exposure to seismic disasters.
Sylhet is also regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most earthquake-prone regions. The district lies close to the Dauki Fault in India’s Meghalaya region and is also affected by locally active fault lines. According to specialists, even a moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale could cause widespread collapse of old and non-engineered buildings in Sylhet. The reactivation of long-dormant local faults has further intensified the risk. Historically, the devastating earthquake of 12 June 1897, originating from the Dauki Fault, destroyed large parts of greater Sylhet. The disaster is remembered as the “Great Earthquake” and remains a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability.
Chattogram presents an equally alarming scenario. Data from the Chattogram Development Authority indicate that the city has 382,111 buildings, of which 70 to 75 per cent are at risk of severe damage in a strong earthquake. A quake measuring between 7.5 and 8 could result in massive destruction. Most buildings in the city were constructed without complying with building codes and lack earthquake-resistant features. Educational institutions, hospitals and clinics are considered particularly vulnerable. Rescue operations would also face serious obstacles due to the absence of adequate equipment and extremely narrow access roads.
Experts believe that the possibility of a future earthquake measuring between 8.2 and 9 on the Richter scale cannot be ruled out. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology professor and earthquake researcher Mehdi Ahmed Ansary has warned that failure to follow building codes inevitably leads to greater losses. He stressed the urgent need to identify risky structures, enforce strict construction regulations and strengthen disaster preparedness, especially in major cities like Dhaka, Sylhet and Chattogram, to minimise potential devastation.
GLIVE/TSN