## Main points
Bangladesh can significantly cut casualties and damage from a major earthquake if it greatly improves disaster preparedness and enforces building safety measures. Experts stress that proactive action now is much cheaper and more effective than post-disaster recovery.
## Current earthquake risk
Bangladesh lies close to several active tectonic plate boundaries and faces the risk of a powerful earthquake affecting densely populated urban areas, including Dhaka. Rapid urbanization, informal construction, and aging infrastructure increase the likelihood of severe destruction when a major quake occurs.
## Role of preparedness
Specialists explain that strong preparedness can reduce earthquake damage and deaths by roughly half in Bangladesh. This includes emergency planning, early warning systems, drills for citizens, and trained response teams able to act quickly after shaking stops.
### Key preparedness measures
- Developing and regularly updating national and local earthquake contingency plans.
- Conducting public awareness campaigns so residents know how to react during and after a quake.
- Organizing simulation exercises for authorities, emergency services, and communities.
- Strengthening coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and international partners.
## Building codes and infrastructure
Experts emphasize that strict enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes is essential to reduce collapse risk. Retrofitting critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, bridges, and emergency operation centers is highlighted as a priority.
### Urban planning priorities
- Identifying and mapping high-risk zones and vulnerable structures in major cities.
- Limiting unsafe construction in densely populated or geologically unstable areas.
- Improving lifeline services (water, power, communication) to remain functional after a quake.
## Institutional and community capacity
Specialists call for better training of engineers, planners, and local officials in seismic safety standards. Community-based disaster risk reduction programs can empower residents to organize first aid, search and rescue, and support for vulnerable groups.
### Data, research, and monitoring
- Expanding seismic monitoring networks and data analysis capacity.
- Supporting research on local soil conditions and building performance during quakes.
- Using risk assessments to guide investment in mitigation projects.
## Financing and political will
Experts warn that underinvestment in preparedness now will lead to far greater economic losses after a major event. They argue that sustained political commitment and dedicated funding are necessary to implement codes, retrofits, and public education at scale.
> “Preparedness can halve earthquake damage and save countless lives if Bangladesh acts before the next big quake strikes.”
### One-sentence author summary
Stronger preparedness, safer construction, and sustained political commitment could realistically cut future earthquake deaths and destruction in Bangladesh by about half, if implemented before a major event occurs.
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Dhaka Tribune — 2025-11-29