Staff Reporter:
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that nearly 90% of old buildings in Dhaka have been constructed without adhering to building codes, putting the capital at grave risk- especially in the wake of recent earthquakes.
Speaking to journalists in Mirpur on Friday, she said the recent tremors serve as a clear warning for Bangladesh.
“In the last five years, we have never felt earthquakes this strongly. Repeated warnings are being issued—we must prepare now,” she added.
Rizwana noted that while many new buildings in the capital follow proper building codes, most older structures were erected without approval.
“According to RAJUK’s statistics, 90% of old buildings show violations. Engineering solutions and risk mitigation measures for these structures are urgently needed,” she said.
She emphasised that constructing high-rise buildings is inevitable due to population pressure, but it must not come at the cost of the environment.
She also warned against filling up water bodies and cutting hills for infrastructure development.
