Earthquake damages 300 buildings in Dhaka; Rajuk inaction irks HC
Friday's severe earthquakes damaged at least 300 buildings in Dhaka, with 25 partially collapsed. Among them, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has identified five as extremely dangerous and issued demolition orders. Several other buildings suffered cracks or tilting, highlighting the city's vulnerability and raising concerns over government preparedness.
Urban experts note that, despite repeated warnings, Rajuk and other authorities have failed to take meaningful action against risky or unauthorised buildings. Under the World Bank-supported Urban Resilience project, Rajuk surveyed parts of the city and found that of Dhaka's 2.145 million buildings, nearly 40% could collapse in a major (magnitude 7+) earthquake. Over 75,000 of these are multi-story structures.
Previously, 37% of newly constructed public buildings were marked as risky, including the 17-story Bangladesh Medical University (PG Hospital) building and numerous educational institutions. Rajuk had declared 42 public and private structures extremely dangerous, ordering them demolished.
These included three at Bangladesh Medical University, four at Jagannath University, three at Jahangirnagar University, three at the Madrasah Board, one at the Directorate of Primary Education, and 30 built by the Public Works Department. Yet, none have been taken down.
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According to the Housing and Building Research Institute, 56.26% of concrete buildings in Dhaka are at high seismic risk, with another 36.87% at medium risk. Friday's tremors exposed the fragility of many structures, with cracks appearing and some buildings tilting.
Rajuk Chairman Md Reazul Islam told The Business Standard that 50 buildings had been closed and inspections were underway to determine which could be repaired. "We are also ensuring the safety of schools and other critical institutions," he said.
BUET Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, Ishrat Islam, stressed the urgency of proactive measures. "Hospitals, schools, residential halls, multi-story markets, and other areas with large gatherings must be secured. Government and private sectors have largely failed to enforce earthquake-resistant construction or preparedness. Unplanned development and filled reservoirs further increase risk," he said. He urged greater public awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
High Court orders legal action
In response to the growing crisis, the High Court expressed serious concern over Rajuk's inaction.
Barrister Sayed Mahsib Hossain presented news reports to a bench of Justices Foyej Ahmed and Md Monjur Alam, seeking immediate directives and a suo motu order. The bench instructed him to file a formal writ petition.
Hossain noted that earthquakes had struck Dhaka four times in two days, and experts have warned of a possible magnitude 7 event. "If Rajuk does not act swiftly, the potential losses could be catastrophic," he said.
Rajuk has formed a five-member committee, led by member (Development Control) Eradul Haq, to inspect and recommend actions for risky buildings across the city. Preliminary findings have been submitted, with further reports expected in seven and fifteen days. Additional committees are being established at the ministry and chief adviser levels to coordinate earthquake mitigation.
Following Friday's tremors, several institutions, including Sir Salimullah Medical College and Dhaka University, temporarily closed for safety. Experts stress the importance of open spaces, strict adherence to building codes, and public preparedness to reduce earthquake risk.
Friday's earthquakes have renewed urgency over a longstanding issue: despite identifying thousands of high-risk buildings, Rajuk has yet to demolish any. With the High Court now involved, authorities face legal and public pressure to act before Dhaka faces potentially devastating seismic events.
