Faulty buildings in capital being identified, action taken: RAJUK Chairman

Faulty buildings in capital being identified, action taken: RAJUK Chairman

Measures are being taken in phases to identify faults in buildings in the capital to reduce earthquake risks, said Md Riazul Islam, Chairman of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK).

He made the remarks at a discussion titled 'Country at Earthquake Risk: What We Should Do' organised by the Utility Reporters Association at the National Press Club on Saturday, August 8.

He said the main cause of building collapses during earthquakes is not just the height of the buildings, but faulty designs, soil conditions and irregularities in construction. Therefore, it is essential to ensure approved designs, soil tests and engineering standards in building construction.

Professor Mehedi Hasan Ansari of the Department of Civil Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) presented the keynote paper at the event.

RAJUK Chairman Md Riazul Islam said there are a large number of buildings in the capital. It is not possible to assess the risks of all these buildings at once. Therefore, plans have been taken to conduct Rapid Visual Assessment, Preliminary Engineering Assessment and Detailed Engineering Assessment in phases.

He said an initiative has been taken to establish a research institute to enhance RAJUK's capacity to deal with earthquakes. Through this, risk assessment and awareness creation before an earthquake, as well as necessary research for the future, will be conducted.

Md Riazul Islam said it is not enough to hold only RAJUK responsible for reducing earthquake risks. All relevant organisations, including city corporations, disaster management authorities and the Fire Service, must work in a coordinated manner. He also commented that if an effective city government system is in place, various aspects of urban management could be carried out more easily and in a coordinated manner.