Staff Reporter:
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday stressed the urgent need for a coordinated action to minimize the potential consequences of a major future earthquake.
She said all relevant agencies including Rajuk must work together and in the interest of public safety, the government must have the authority to intervene, assess risks, and take strict measures even when it in-volves privately owned properties.
The environment adviser made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Preparedness and Actions for Reducing Earthquake Risks,” organized by Rajuk at the Council Hall of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) here.
She also stressed the need for raising public awareness alongside preparedness and proposed initiating risk assessments through third-party entities in addition to Rajuk.
Rizwana urged the authorities concerned to begin area-based surveys with the help of local residents without any delay.
“We cannot afford to wait. People must be reassured that the government is actively working to address earthquake risks,” she said.
Highlighting the vulnerabilities of Old Dhaka, she noted that the area is extremely at risk due to hazard-ous chemical factories, dense settlements, and widespread violations of building codes.
She strongly recommended relocating all chemical factories from Old Dhaka to safe and permanent sites.
The environment adviser also recommended launching risk assessment activities immediately under spe-cial directives.
Criticizing the slow implementation of government decisions, she said, “Many decisions remain unim-plemented; these must be executed without delay. It is essential to empower Rajuk and simplify the pro-cess.”
She added, “Panic is not the answer- what we need now is a well-planned approach and prompt initiation of essential actions.”
Housing and Public Works and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Housing and Public Works Secretary Md Nazrul Islam also spoke at the seminar with Rajuk Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam in the chair.
Relevant experts also took part in the meeting.
