Chattogram identifies 102 high-risk buildings amid looming quake fears

About five years ago, the six-storey Star Building in the Mansurabad area of Chattogram tilted during an earthquake. An inspection by Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) instructed the owners to demolish the top two floors — an order that was never carried out. 

On 21 November, after several rounds of tremors, the building's roof tilted even further, leaning dangerously toward a neighbouring structure. The owner of the adjacent building, Abdullah bin Ashraf, complained that the earlier demolition order had not been obeyed. 

But, the Star Building is far from the only structure at risk. Periodic surveys have identified hundreds of quake-vulnerable buildings across Chattogram.

Growing fear; little action

A series of tremors in recent weeks has put the residents in Chattogram city on edge. According to a CDA official, 108 buildings were found at serious risk of earthquake. Residents complain that the agencies responsible for overseeing the structural safety of the city have remained nonchalant.

Infographics: TBS

A resident of Halishahor, Sidratul Muntaha, told TBS: "We are not safe in this city. The government institutions entrusted with implementing building codes and taking action against those breaking the rules are sitting idle. I don't believe they are prepared for the disasters looming over the city."

In 2007, CDA identified 57 at-risk buildings and forwarded the list to Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), yet only six buildings were addressed — and only after the catastrophic collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013. The remaining 51 have languished untouched. 

What CDA's new list shows

Meanwhile, The Business Standard (TBS) newspaper has received a list of 102 buildings identified as vulnerable by the recent CDA survey.

The new survey indicates that among the vulnerable structures, 68 are residential buildings, 12 are commercial, and 13 are used for both residential and commercial purposes. The list also includes three schools, one market, and one administrative building. 

CDA data shows, about 5,000 people live in the listed buildings, while nearly 2,000 students attend classes in the three risky educational institutions on the list.

According to CDA's records, the city contains approximately 382,111 buildings in total: 278,005 are single-storey; over 90,000 have two to five floors; and more than 500 are high-rises exceeding ten floors.

CDA's authorised officer, Kazi Kader Newaz, told TBS: "We used our sources and manpower to compile this list. It is not the final list. There may be more. We prepared the list based on on-site inspection. However, all the risky buildings do not necessarily need to be demolished. Some of the buildings can be fixed using technology."

Flaws in oversight and enforcement

Under the Chattogram Metropolitan Building (Construction, Development, Maintenance and Demolition) Regulation–2008, building construction must follow a multi-step approval process: land-use clearance, foundation and structural approval, completion notice, certification, occupancy certificate, and renewal of that certificate every five years.

Yet, while many structures in Chattogram may have obtained design approval, subsequent mandatory steps — such as technical supervision, certification, and periodic renewal — are frequently neglected. This has left serious gaps in building safety and quality control.

CDA officials admit they lack the manpower and technical capacity to carry out city-wide building assessments. Instead, they rely on visual inspections and public complaints.

Another authorised officer of CDA, Tanzib Hossain, told TBS: "We don't have technical assessment capability. Since 1994, we have been identifying risky buildings and handing lists to the city corporation, because we do not have the authority to take action".

 "According to CCC law, if any building becomes risky or unfit for habitation, the corporation has the power and responsibility to identify it, issue notice to the owner, order eviction or seal off the structure," Tanzib added. 

A survey 15 years back found 92% of multistoried buildings at risk

Between 2009 and 2011, under the disaster management programme of the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry (DMRM), an earthquake-risk assessment survey was conducted in the Chattogram region. The survey concluded that 92% of nearly 182,000 multi-storied buildings in the CCC area -- numbering 168,150 -- were highly vulnerable to earthquake. 

The survey noted that most of these buildings were not built according to the national building code. Some of the most vulnerable structures included hospitals, clinics and educational institutions, where people gather in large numbers.

Experts urge a coordinated, long-term response

After receiving the list of risky buildings, senior officials of CCC held a meeting last Monday (1 December), presided over by Acting Chief Executive Officer Md Ashraful Amin. A five-member committee, headed by CCC's Law Officer Mohiuddin Murad, was formed to take legal steps regarding the identified risky buildings. 

Professor of Civil Engineering at Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET), Aftabur Rahman, told TBS: "We need to conduct a technical assessment of the buildings listed by CDA. All buildings are not required to be demolished. Some can be strengthened and made safe".

 He underscored that a coordinated strategy needs to be worked out by the district administration, CDA, CCC, the Ministry of Disaster Management, the Fire Service, and all the relevant bodies. Since we don't know when an earthquake might strike, our goal now should be to minimise damage as much as possible, he added.

He also emphasised raising public awareness. "Many buildings are constructed without adhering to building codes. In order to save a little money, people invite disaster upon themselves. Plus, we need public awareness about what to do during an earthquake — panic often increases damage."