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The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) hosted a high-level roundtable discussion titled "Earthquake: Reality, Perception, Awareness & Strategic Preparedness through Action" at the IAB Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, addressing the nation's vulnerability to earthquakes following recent seismic activities.
The discussion comes after several recent tremors, including a 5.7-magnitude quake on 21 November near Madhabdi, Narsingdi, which resulted in 10 fatalities and over 600 injuries. Between 2021 and 2024, 39 earthquakes occurred in Bangladesh, with 11 near Dhaka, underscoring the capital's susceptibility.
The roundtable brought together leading experts in architecture, engineering, urban planning, and government administration. Senior IAB Fellows and prominent architects including Iqbal Habib, Kazi Golam Nasir, Asifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Professor Dr. Qazi Azizul Mowla, and Patrick D'Rozario represented the architecture community. Engineering insights were provided by Professor Dr. Shamim Z Bosunia, Professor Dr. Raquib Ahsan, Abdullah Al Hossain Chowdhury, and Shakhawat Hossen. Urban planning and government perspectives were contributed by Md. Ashraful Islam, Dr. Mohammad Giyasuddin Haydar, Professor Dr. Badruddoza Miah, Golam Mostafa, and Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury.
Professor Dr. Shamim Z Bosunia stressed the importance of proper structural engineering supervision and compliance, advising residents to stay calm and take shelter safely during earthquakes. Architect Iqbal Habib highlighted the need for regulatory oversight, block development, and TDR implementation to reduce risks from fire hazards, gas leaks, and unsafe construction. Professor Dr. Raquib Ahsan called for continuous professional training in earthquake-resistant design and collaboration between architects and engineers. Former IAB President Kazi Golam Nasir urged action over fear, emphasising retrofitting vulnerable buildings, widening emergency access roads, securing furniture, and ensuring soil testing for new construction.
IAB President Professor M Sayed Ahmed reaffirmed the institute's commitment to national safety and post-disaster planning, stressing collaborative efforts to protect communities. The roundtable identified critical gaps in Dhaka's disaster response, noting only 17 fire stations for over 30 million residents. Experts called for urgent measures including retrofitting, stronger building codes, community drills, and integrating disaster preparedness into school curricula.
The roundtable concluded with a commitment to forward recommendations to policymakers and promote evidence-based preparedness strategies to safeguard lives and minimise losses in Bangladesh's most earthquake-prone areas.
Link : https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/corporates/iab-hosts-roundtable-earthquake-preparedness-and-strategic-action-1303076