Experts urge awareness, not panic, after recent earthquakes

Leading national experts and academics have urged the public not to panic over Friday and Saturday's mild earthquake in Bangladesh, stressing instead the importance of strengthening nationwide awareness and preparedness at both household and institutional levels.

They made the call at an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Monday (November 24).

The meeting, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, brought together 15 earthquake and disaster-management specialists from MIST, BUET, Dhaka University, Chittagong University and other institutions.

Experts warned that misinformation circulating on social media—such as predictions of a “major earthquake within 48 hours” or “devastation in 10 days”—is entirely baseless and misleading. Dhaka University Professor Dr Zillur Rahman said identifying the quake sources and assessing shaking levels should be prioritised.

He noted that Bangladesh is comparatively less earthquake-prone, though risks cannot be fully dismissed.

Professor Syed Humayun Akhter  recommended a four-tier awareness strategy (indoor, outdoor, personal and institutional) involving youth participation.

CUET Professor Jahangir Alam emphasised structural risk assessment, while MIST Professor Joynul Abedin underscored the message: “Awareness, not panic.”

Public Works Department Chief Engineer Md Khalekujjaman Chowdhury informed the meeting that software-based assessments have already been conducted on more than 200 buildings to identify structural vulnerabilities.

During the session, the Chief Adviser urged experts to submit written recommendations promptly, saying, “We do not want to sit idle, nor take any unscientific action. Provide your advice in writing; the government is ready to act on all necessary measures.”

He also confirmed that a specialist committee and multiple taskforces are being formed to guide immediate actions based on expert suggestions.

Advisers Wahiduddin Mahmud (Planning), Asif Nazrul (Law), Faruk-e-Azam (Disaster Management and Relief), Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan (Energy), Adilur Rahman Khan (Housing and Public Works), Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Environment) and Special Assistant Professor Ali Riaz were present.

The meeting concluded with a decision to form government taskforces—including officials and experts—to finalise urgent measures once written recommendations are reviewed.