Recent earthquake activity around the world has once again reminded us that natural disasters do not wait for preparation; they arrive without warning, leaving behind urgent questions about how ready societies are to protect their people. No country can consider itself completely safe from seismic risks.
On June 24, Venezuela experienced two powerful back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, adding to growing global concerns about earthquake preparedness. Similar seismic activity has also been recently reported in regions including Japan, the Philippines, and Bhutan, reminding countries that preparation must begin before disaster strikes.
Although these events did not cause major destruction in Bangladesh, repeated warnings should not be ignored. On June 22 at around 9:28 PM a noticeable tremor was felt in parts of Bangladesh, reminding residents that seismic activity is not just distant news but a local concern as well.
These smaller events should push us to ask a serious question: What would happen if a much stronger earthquake struck Bangladesh?
The concern becomes greater when we consider Dhaka.
The capital is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, where rapid urban growth, unplanned construction, narrow roads, limited open spaces, and high population density create major challenges during emergencies.
A powerful earthquake in Dhaka would become a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Collapsed buildings, blocked roads, damaged infrastructure, and overcrowded neighbourhoods could make rescue operations extremely difficult.
The first few hours after an earthquake are critical, and the ability to reach trapped and injured people quickly can determine how many lives are saved.
Countries like Japan demonstrate that earthquake risk can be reduced through long-term preparation. Despite facing frequent earthquakes, Japan has invested in earthquake-resistant infrastructure, strict building standards, public awareness campaigns, emergency drills, and advanced disaster response systems.
The lesson for Bangladesh is to explore similar initiatives while adapting them to create a system that is appropriate for its own urban realities and challenges.
Earthquake preparedness must focus on practical steps that can immediately reduce loss of life. Vulnerable buildings need to be identified, unsafe structures need stronger monitoring, and older buildings in high-risk areas need assessment and possible retrofitting.
Emergency response plans should not remain only on paper but they need regular practice involving government agencies, communities, schools, and workplaces.
Building regulations such as BNBC 2020 are important, but their effectiveness depends on proper implementation. Stronger monitoring of construction quality, transparent approval processes, and strict action against unsafe construction are necessary to ensure that regulations actually protect lives.
A building code cannot save people if it is ignored during construction. Dhaka also needs stronger urban disaster planning. Emergency evacuation routes, open spaces for temporary shelter, accessible roads for rescue vehicles, and clear coordination between response agencies must become priorities.
Disaster management cannot begin after an earthquake happens; preparation must already exist before the ground starts shaking. Rescue teams need continuous investment in advanced equipment, specialized training, increased manpower, and modern search-and-rescue technology.
Urban authorities also have an important responsibility. Instead of focusing only on expansion and development, city planning must consider disaster risk. Dhaka needs better identification of vulnerable buildings, improved enforcement of safety standards, and long-term planning that considers the reality of earthquake risks.
Long-term risk reduction requires decentralizing growth. The government should incentivize industry, universities, and public services to locate outside Dhaka and invest in transport and digital links to regional centres.
Creating more jobs in other cities and districts will reduce people’s dependency on Dhaka, relieve population pressure on the capital, and promote balanced economic development -- all of which lower risk if a major earthquake strikes.
However, earthquake preparedness cannot depend only on government institutions. Public awareness is equally important.
Schools, offices, and communities should conduct regular earthquake drills. Citizens should know basic safety measures, evacuation procedures, and how to respond calmly during an emergency.
Bangladesh has shown resilience in dealing with disasters such as cyclones and floods, but earthquakes require a different kind of preparation.
Unlike some disasters that provide warnings, earthquakes give people only seconds to react. Therefore, reducing risk before a disaster happens is the only effective way to protect lives.
The recent earthquakes around the world and the tremors felt in Bangladesh should not create unnecessary fear, but they should serve as a warning. We cannot stop earthquakes but we can prepare better to save lives.
Fahmina Islam Dipta is a freelance contributor.
