Dhaka has long been recognized as an earthquake-prone city, but recent assessments have raised fresh concerns. According to multiple survey reports, the capital now has approximately 2.146 million buildings classified as vulnerable. Many of these structures were built without proper regulations, using outdated designs or weak foundations—conditions that urban planners warn could trigger a catastrophic disaster if a major earthquake strikes.

Aging Infrastructure and Poor Construction Standards Heighten Risks

Surveys conducted under Dhaka North and South City Corporations reveal that most buildings in the city were built 20 to 30 years ago. In many cases, construction materials were not properly regulated, and additional floors were added beyond approved designs. Experts say even moderate tremors could severely damage such structures.

The Bangladesh Earthquake Center notes that the country lies within an active seismic zone. Increasing pressure from the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma plates has placed northern and eastern regions at higher risk. Dense population, narrow roads, and unplanned construction would make rescue operations extremely challenging in Dhaka. Old Dhaka, Mohammadpur, Moghbazar, Mirpur, and other areas with unregulated high-rise construction are considered particularly vulnerable.

Recent Earthquake Details

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Friday’s earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers deep in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. The tremor resulted from movement along the Indo–Burma tectonic plate boundary.

Reported Damages and Casualties

Hospital sources confirmed that at least 60 people in Narsingdi were injured during the earthquake. Several of the injured were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

A fire broke out at the substation of the Ghorashal Power Plant in Palash upazila but was brought under control by two units of the fire service.

At Dhaka University, several students were injured while rushing out of halls in panic. In Old Dhaka’s Bangshal area, three pedestrians were killed when the railing of a five-story building collapsed.

Multiple buildings across the capital developed cracks, and some high-rise structures were reported to have tilted slightly.

Expert Warnings

Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman, professor of the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience at the University of Dhaka, stated that unplanned high-rise construction has placed many areas of the city at extreme risk. Building codes are frequently ignored, and unauthorized construction has increased. Many structures lack earthquake-resilient design features and essential safety spaces.

He emphasized the need for immediate identification and strengthening of vulnerable buildings, strict enforcement of building approvals, regular inspections, and improved public awareness for earthquake preparedness.

RAJUK’s Vulnerable Building List

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) first compiled a list of risky buildings in 2010 and updated it in 2016. According to their latest data:

• 321 buildings in Dhaka are extremely vulnerable, most of them located in Old Dhaka.

• Around 5,000 buildings were constructed in violation of building regulations.

RAJUK has not updated the list since 2016.

Threat of a Major Earthquake

Studies indicate that major earthquakes struck the Madhupur Fault in 1822 and 1918, roughly a century apart. Based on this pattern, experts believe Bangladesh is currently within the window of another major seismic event, with Dhaka at the highest risk.

A joint survey by CDMP and JICA warns that if a 7.0 magnitude or stronger earthquake hits Dhaka:

• 72,000 buildings could collapse,

• 135,000 more could be damaged,
  creating millions of tons of debris that would severely hamper rescue operations.