A technical inspection has revealed a series of critical structural and engineering faults in several buildings across the capital that were damaged during the recent earthquake, renewing concerns over construction quality, code compliance, and Dhaka’s long-standing seismic vulnerability.
The findings, conducted by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), underscore growing fears that many buildings in the rapidly expanding city may be unable to withstand even moderately strong earthquakes.
A high-level IEB delegation, led by Vice President (Services & Welfare) Engr Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, visited quake-affected structures in Swamibagh, Sutrapur and Dhania on Sunday.
The team comprised specialists in civil, structural and geotechnical engineering, including Engr A T M Tanvir-ul Hasan (Tamal), Engr Md Ruhul Alam and Engr Md Abdur Rashek Mallik.
During the inspections, the experts conducted preliminary assessments of structural integrity, visible cracks in columns and beams, foundation conditions and potential retrofitting needs.
Their findings pointed to several high-risk engineering faults, including inadequate or flawed structural design, the use of substandard materials, insufficient reinforcement, and weak compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC).
In multiple cases, retrofitting measures were entirely absent, and routine post-construction safety monitoring had never been carried out.
IEB engineers said these deficiencies significantly compromise the safety of the affected buildings, heightening their vulnerability to future seismic events.
The team also found varying risk patterns across the three neighborhoods they examined.
At Swamibagh’s Mitali School, inspectors noted exposed reinforcement, disintegrating concrete and shear cracks—indicators of long-term structural deterioration.
In Sutrapur’s 102/1 building, horizontal and diagonal cracks suggested serious design or construction-stage errors, despite the building being relatively new.
At Bornomala School in Dhania, geotechnical concerns were dominant, with evidence of foundation instability likely linked to inadequate soil testing.
“These signs are not just cracks—they are warnings,” one of the inspecting structural engineers told the Dhaka Tribune during the visit.
IEB stressed the need for an urgent Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA) for all affected buildings to determine their load-bearing capacity, the severity of internal damage and whether they require retrofitting or immediate evacuation.
“Without a DEA, it is impossible to determine whether some of these structures are safe or should be vacated immediately,” the delegation said.
The expert team also reiterated that any effort to strengthen Dhaka’s seismic resilience must begin with strict enforcement of the BNBC.
They recommended mandatory safety audits for older and high-risk buildings, structured retrofitting guidelines, enhanced professional training for engineers and builders, and stronger regulatory monitoring to prevent non-compliant construction practices.
IEB said that it stands ready to assist government agencies with technical expertise, structural assessments and safety recommendations for damaged buildings in Dhaka and elsewhere.
“Protecting lives and ensuring urban stability must be the highest priority. Compliance with BNBC is not optional—it is essential,” the organization said.