M. K. Alam; Dbarta24 — The Bangladesh government has initiated a comprehensive, multi-agency push to transform the high-density capital into a safer, earthquake-resilient metropolis, addressing decades of unplanned urbanization and rapid population growth.
With Dhaka long identified as extremely vulnerable to seismic disasters due to inadequate structural safety, key authorities are prioritizing effective implementation of the National Building Code, structural risk assessments of older buildings, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
A major milestone in this initiative is the establishment of the Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority (BBRA) under the “Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2026,” promulgated earlier this year by the Ministry of Law, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs following a draft by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.
The BBRA is mandated to enforce building standards, ensure construction quality, provide technical oversight, and improve inter-agency coordination to eliminate structural irregularities.
A five-member governing board has already been formed and has convened multiple operational meetings.
To manage post-disaster open space and evacuation, the Dhaka North and South City Corporations have designated 445 potential safe shelters—256 in the South and 189 in the North.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu recently informed Parliament that a proposal to officially designate these sites has been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for final approval.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to build a unified database of 100,000 emergency volunteers across the capital area.
Urban planners emphasize that regulatory enforcement must be uncompromising.
“RAJUK and relevant authorities must strictly supervise building designs and construction, ensuring exemplary punishment for violators,” said Urban Planner Professor Dr. Adil Mohammed Khan. “Simultaneously, preserving open spaces, wider roads, parks, playgrounds, and emergency exit routes must be prioritized.”
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) is actively focusing on urban balance through its Detailed Area Plan (DAP). RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam noted that evaluating building risks across the massive city will be executed in phases, alongside plans to establish a dedicated research institute to enhance pre-disaster risk analysis and awareness.
“To minimize earthquake risks, RAJUK cannot act alone. City corporations, the Disaster Management Ministry, Fire Service, and all relevant agencies must work together,” stated RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam. “An effective city government system would make urban management significantly smoother and more integrated.”
Emergency response agencies are also gearing up, though operational gaps remain. Fire Service and Civil Defense Deputy Director Saleh Uddin confirmed that 41 fire stations around Dhaka have been earmarked with specialized response teams, while stressing that broader public-private synergy is vital.
Seismic experts warn that a 6.0 to 7.5 magnitude earthquake could cause catastrophic collapse due to poor structural integrity, potentially resulting in massive casualties.
Professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansari of BUET’s Civil Engineering Department cautioned that a 7.0 to 7.5 magnitude quake could hit Bangladesh at any time.
Experts agree that safeguarding Dhaka requires a unified approach: strict code enforcement, digital approval processes, retrofitting older structures, preserving open spaces, and enhancing public awareness.