Experts Urge Stronger Quake Preparedness in Bangladesh

Despite advancements in flood and cyclone management, they noted that earthquake preparedness remains inadequate.

These remarks were made at a national workshop titled “Strengthening Multi-Hazard Preparedness: Focus on Earthquake and Urban Resilience,” held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) at the BIAM Auditorium on Wednesday.

Razwanur Rahman, Director General, Department of Disaster Management and Chair of the workshop, stressed the scale of the challenge. “A 7.5 magnitude earthquake could generate over 31 million tons of debris and severely disrupt critical services. Strengthening volunteer networks beyond urban centers and enhancing interagency coordination are essential for effective response.”

Highlighting UNDP’s decade-long partnership with the government, Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Bangladesh, said, “UNDP’s Training, Exercise, and Drills (TED) Programme under the Urban Resilience Project (URP) has trained thousands of officials and advanced Bangladesh’s efforts toward International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) accreditation for Urban Search and Rescue. We must focus on implementation, building resilient institutions and communities ready to face disaster risks."

In his remarks as the chief guest, Adviser to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Faruk-e-Azam, said, “The challenge before us is immense. We must accelerate from policy to practical action by updating emergency plans, procuring critical equipment, seeking innovative solutions, and enforcing building codes to reduce vulnerabilities in rapidly urbanising areas.”

Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, said, “We are revising Standard Operating Procedures and expanding volunteer training to improve response readiness. Multi-agency coordination is key to building an effective, life-saving disaster management system.”

The workshop featured expert insights from Professor Dr. Raquib Ahsan (BUET), who emphasized that earthquake preparedness must also address related risks like fire and flooding, ensure building safety compliance, and strengthen rescue teams and emergency plans.

Representatives from Academia, Govt. offices, Development partners, UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs have exchanged their expert opinions at the workshop.

UNDP and government agencies reaffirmed their commitment to expanding training, enhancing early warning systems, and institutionalising preparedness to protect lives and development progress, reports UNB.