Stronger Preparedness Can Halve Bangladesh’s Quake Risks

Preparedness, public awareness and the use of modern technology can significantly reduce casualties and damage during a major earthquake, experts said on Friday.

Speaking at a seminar in the capital, they warned that Bangladesh faces a high earthquake risk and that any further delay in preventive measures could lead to a major humanitarian disaster.

The seminar, titled “Earthquake Awareness, Safety Protocols and Emergency Preparedness,” was organised by JCSX Developments Ltd.

Two Japanese specialists in earthquake-resilient architecture – Keiichiro Sako, founder of SAKO Architects, and Hisaya Sugiyama, Principal of VERITAS Japan LLC – shared insights drawn from Japan’s post-quake experiences, safe infrastructure practices and modern sustainable design standards.

Speakers emphasised the urgent need to construct earthquake-resistant buildings, conduct structural audits of existing structures, strengthen monitoring of construction quality, build emergency response capacity and establish an effective early warning system.

They also underscored the importance of regular drills, community awareness campaigns and household-level preparedness plans.

Participants included local and international earthquake experts, architects, engineers, real estate leaders, policymakers and representatives from various public and private organisations.

Experts highlighted several key steps to reduce destruction and loss of life: strict enforcement of the building code, digital approval systems, retrofitting vulnerable buildings, setting up at least 50 modern seismic stations, GIS- and AI-based risk modelling, better equipment for rescue agencies, compulsory earthquake drills in educational institutions and workplaces, mandatory soil testing, use of quality materials and greater transparency in the real estate sector.

They noted that Japan has sharply reduced earthquake losses by strictly following regulations, and Bangladesh could reduce potential damage by up to 50 per cent by adopting similar practices.

Renowned engineers Professor Dr M Shamim Z Bosunia, Professor Dr Syed Fakrul Amin of Buet, Rehab President Wahiduzzaman, Senior Vice President Liaquat Ali, Rajuk Chief Urban Planner Ashraful Islam, Engineer Abdullah Al Hossain Chowdhury Rizvi, Professor Dr Rakib Ahsan of Buet, Bajus President Enamul Haque Khan, BMID Director Mominul Islam, Architect Ariful Islam, Architect Rafiq Azam and Vistara Managing Director Mustafa Khalid Palash also spoke at the event.