Bangladesh Forms Expert Taskforce to Strengthen Earthquake Preparedness
To tackle earthquake risks, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the formation of one or more taskforces, providing coordination advice with Bangladesh-based and overseas scientists and earthquake specialists.
At an urgent meeting held on Monday, 24 November, at the Chief Adviser’s office, presided over by Dr. Yunus, experts and relevant officials were instructed to form a specialist committee and take all necessary measures to mitigate earthquake risks.
Top researchers, professors, and specialists attending the meeting noted that while recent earthquakes are not a cause for panic, precautionary measures are essential.
Md. Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury, Chief Engineer (Civil) of the Public Works Department, said that images of buildings showing cracks due to earthquakes are already being collected via specialized software. Over 200 buildings have been assessed, most showing cracks in partition walls. The software allows rapid evaluation and subsequent action for damaged buildings.
Experts attending the meeting included Professor Md. Zainul Abedin (MIST), Professor Md. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari (BUET), Professor Tahmid Malik Al-Husseini (BUET), Professor Md. Zillur Rahman (DU), Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam (CUET), Professor Dr. Humayun Akhtar (DU), Professor Dr. Tanvir Manjur (BUET), Md. Mominul Islam (Acting Director, Bangladesh Meteorological Department), meteorologist Rubaiyat Kabir, geologist Dr. Reshad Md. Ikram Ali, disaster specialist Dr. Md. Shakawat Hossain (DU), Director of the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies, Md. Moniruzzaman Khan, and Professor Israt Islam (BUET).
Professor Dr. Zillur Rahman emphasized reviewing earthquake sources around Bangladesh to determine the number of potential sources and possible shaking levels. He noted that large-scale earthquakes in Bangladesh are unlikely, but preparedness is crucial.
Professor Dr. Humayun Akhtar stressed the need to involve young people in public awareness campaigns, creating indoor, outdoor, individual, and institutional-level action plans to ensure widespread preparedness.
Professor Jahangir Alam suggested that the ministry assess its facilities, with special focus on hospitals, educational institutions, and electricity and gas connections. Earthquake programs in schools, colleges, and universities would foster awareness rather than panic.
Professor Md. Zainul Abedin highlighted the importance of public calm, using available resources, and conducting drills to show safe open spaces and assembly areas.
Experts also warned that social media has spread false information predicting earthquakes within 48 hours, 10 days, or one month—none of which are scientifically valid. Earthquake occurrence cannot be predicted with specific dates or times; historical frequency and magnitude can only provide rough estimates.
The Chief Adviser requested that experts provide written recommendations on government action in the shortest possible time. He emphasized that while the government does not want to act hastily, it also wants to avoid unscientific measures. Once expert advice is received, appropriate measures will be implemented.
Dr. Yunus also recommended coordination with overseas Bangladeshi scientists and earthquake specialists. He highlighted the ‘Shubhechha’ app for expatriate Bangladeshis to connect with these experts and requested suggestions for additional features.
Present at the meeting were Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Disaster and Relief Adviser Faruq A. Azam, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fowzul Kabir Khan, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Professor Ali Riaz.
It was decided that the government will review written recommendations from experts promptly and form a taskforce including government and private officials as well as specialists to address immediate earthquake preparedness measures.
DBTech/RN/IH/OR
