The recent earthquake that shook Dhaka may have lasted only a few seconds, but for thousands of students living in old residential halls at Dhaka University, those seconds felt like a warning.
Many of us rushed outside in confusion, some even breaking their ankles, and also wondered what might have happened if the tremor had been any stronger.
The truth is uncomfortable but simple: Our aging campus buildings are not ready for a major earthquake, and pretending otherwise puts students’ lives at risk.
Bangladesh is not new to seismic danger. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the country experienced over 250 minor to moderate earthquakes between 2020 and 2023.
Scientists from BUET have repeatedly warned that Dhaka sits on the Modhupur fault line, which is capable of generating a 7.0+ magnitude quake -- powerful enough to collapse poorly constructed or old, unreinforced buildings.
Despite these warnings, many university structures remain largely unchanged from decades ago.
Take the residential halls of Dhaka University. Buildings like SM Hall, Jagannath Hall, Rokeya Hall, and Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall are historically important, but many were built long before modern seismic codes were introduced.
A BUET structural study from 2019 found that around 60% of older public buildings in Dhaka do not meet current earthquake resilience standards. If we apply that logic to DU, where some halls are over 70–100 years old, the risk becomes even clearer.
The problem is not just age, it is also overcrowding. Many DU halls are operating far above their intended capacity, the rooms are also meant for two or three students, but are holding five or more.
Despite these risks, students often have no choice. Most come to DU from different districts, and the halls are their only affordable accommodation.
As a result, they are forced to live in buildings that may not withstand a strong quake.
This recent tremor should push the university administration to take real and immediate action. At a minimum, DU and other public universities should conduct professional structural and seismic assessments of all old halls and improve fire and earthquake evacuation routes, including wider staircases and more exits.
We often talk proudly about DU’s history, its heritage buildings, and its role in shaping the nation. But heritage means nothing if it is not safe. No student should have to study with the fear that the ceiling above them might collapse in a disaster.
The earthquake didn’t damage our halls this time. But it reminded us that the next one might not be so forgiving. We must act before a major tragedy forces us to learn this lesson the hard way.
Sadia Alam is a freelance contributor.
