Only 3,252 out of 21 lakh buildings in Dhaka, Gazipur assessed for earthquake safety: Rajuk
Rajuk says 2,705 educational institutions, 207 hospitals, 36 police stations and 307 other buildings have undergone Rapid Visual Assessment
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has assessed the earthquake resilience and risk of only 3,252 structures among 21 lakh buildings in Dhaka and Gazipur so far.
Rajuk Executive Engineer Khandaker Md Wahid Sadiq shared the information today (24 October) at a views-exchange meeting titled "Preparedness and Actions to Reduce Earthquake Risk" held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital.
He said Rajuk has conducted the earthquake resilience and risk assessments using the FEMA-310 guideline for seismic evaluation.
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Of these buildings, 2,705 educational institutions, 207 hospitals, 36 police stations, and 307 other buildings have undergone the Rapid Visual Assessment, he said.
Of them, 568 educational institutions, 5 hospitals, 3 fire stations, and 3 other buildings have completed the Preliminary Engineering Assessment.
A total of 187 buildings, including 94 schools, 78 colleges, 11 universities, and 4 hospitals, have undergone the Detailed Engineering Assessment, for which Rajuk has recommended retrofitting.
Rajuk has also recommended the demolition of 42 buildings in Dhaka and Gazipur due to high seismic risk, said the Rajuk official.
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan attended the event presided over by Rajuk Chairman Md Riazul Islam.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan said Rajuk and the city corporations must be firm where necessary to assess risky buildings, even if owners object.
"Personal property rights cannot be used as an excuse to block risk assessments. For public safety, Rajuk must act – and special powers may be needed," she said.
Referring to the recent tremors, she said people would feel safer if authorities actively visited neighbourhoods to assess building risks. She also warned that chemical warehouses in Old Dhaka are increasing the danger and must be removed permanently.
Adilur Rahman Khan said amendments to the Town Improvement Act, 1953, are being prepared, which may increase Rajuk's authority.
He said Rajuk must work based on recent earthquake experiences and coordinate closely with private organisations and emergency services to reduce risk.
Rajuk Chairman Md Riazul Islam said building owners, developers and all agencies must work together to build a safer Dhaka.
"To prepare for earthquakes, we need awareness and active participation from everyone," he said.
