Bangladesh’s Earthquake Preparedness: Key Government Initiatives Explained

Bangladesh is located in a seismically active region, making earthquake preparedness a national priority. To reduce risks and protect lives, the government has taken multiple steps to improve building safety, emergency response, and public awareness. Below is an easy-to-read overview of the major earthquake preparedness initiatives in Bangladesh.

1. Updating and Enforcing the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC)

The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) is the official guideline for earthquake-resistant construction. It plays a crucial role in ensuring structural safety across the country.

Key government actions include:

1. Updating the BNBC with improved seismic design standards
2. Making structural safety approval mandatory for new buildings
3. Training city development authorities on safe construction practices
4. Introducing penalties in some cities for unsafe construction

Goal: Ensure all new buildings can withstand moderate earthquakes.

2. Urban Resilience Project (URP)

The Urban Resilience Project (URP) focuses on improving disaster preparedness in major cities like Dhaka and Sylhet, with support from international partners.

Key activities include:

1. Enhancing earthquake preparedness at city level
2. Strengthening building inspection systems
3. Training engineers and inspectors
4. Using digital mapping to identify vulnerable buildings

Goal: Improve urban readiness and reduce structural risks.

3. Expanding Earthquake Monitoring Stations

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) is expanding its network of seismic monitoring stations across the country.

These stations help to:

1. Detect earthquakes quickly
2. Share early information with disaster response agencies
3. Monitor underground fault movements

Goal: Improve earthquake detection and data accuracy.

4. Fire Service & Civil Defense Training

Fire Service and Civil Defense teams receive specialized training to respond effectively during earthquakes.

Training includes:

1. Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
2. High-rise rescue techniques
3. Evacuation and first-aid training
4. Fire safety and emergency drills

Goal: Build a skilled and well-prepared emergency response force.

5. Public Awareness and School Drills

Public awareness is a key part of earthquake risk reduction in Bangladesh.

Programs include:

1. Earthquake drills in schools and colleges
2. Community workshops
3. Awareness posters and videos
4. Teacher and student training sessions

Students learn:

1. “Drop, Cover, Hold” technique
2. Safe evacuation routes
3. Basic emergency communication

Goal: Create a culture of safety from an early age.

6. Hospital Preparedness Programs

Selected hospitals are being prepared to handle earthquake-related emergencies.

Measures include:

1. Training for mass casualty management
2. Emergency evacuation planning
3. Structural strengthening of hospital buildings
4. Formation of internal rapid response teams

Goal: Ensure hospitals remain functional during disasters.

7. GIS-Based Vulnerability Mapping

Government agencies are using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to identify earthquake risks.

Mapping includes:

1. High-risk zones
2. Weak or old buildings
3. Population density
4. Emergency shelter locations

Goal: Help planners prioritize high-risk areas.

8. Collaboration With International Organizations

Bangladesh works closely with international partners such as:

1. UNDP
2. World Bank
3. JICA (Japan)
4. Other disaster management agencies

Support includes:

1. Funding
2. Technical expertise
3. Training programs
4. Advanced monitoring tools

Goal: Strengthen national earthquake preparedness using global expertise.

9. Retrofitting Old and Weak Buildings

Older government buildings, schools, and hospitals are being upgraded to improve earthquake resistance.

Retrofitting measures include:

1. Reinforcing walls
2. Strengthening columns
3. Installing safety frames

Goal: Reduce building collapse risk during strong earthquakes.

10. National Plan for Disaster Management (NPDM)

Earthquakes are now a core part of the National Plan for Disaster Management (NPDM).

The plan covers:

1. Emergency response strategies
2. Communication systems
3. Local government training
4. Long-term risk reduction programs

Goal: Integrate earthquake preparedness into national disaster planning.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s earthquake preparedness efforts focus on safer buildings, better monitoring, trained responders, and public awareness. While challenges remain, these initiatives mark important progress toward reducing earthquake risks and protecting lives across the country.