Bangladesh has experienced two earthquakes within seven days. Over the past 90 days, more than 50 mild and strong earthquakes have occurred around the country. In the last 15 years, over 150 small and large earthquakes have been recorded. Experts suggest that these tremors are warning signs of a larger earthquake. Dhaka is listed among the 20 most earthquake-prone cities in the world. If a major earthquake strikes Bangladesh, extensive damage is expected. However, no government has taken measures to reduce the potential impact of such a disaster.
Experts warn that these smaller earthquakes are likely indicators of an impending larger quake. Bangladesh’s geographical location places it at significant risk. In the event of a major earthquake, cities like Sylhet, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Chittagong are likely to experience severe damage, with Dhaka being less affected in comparison.
On January 7, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet killed over a hundred people. This earthquake caused tremors across Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. The region is prone to frequent seismic activity due to its position on the major geological fault line.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has stated that Bangladesh lies within an active seismic zone due to its geographical location. Recent minor tremors in the country indicate the possibility of stronger earthquakes in the near future. Furthermore, Dhaka is among the 20 cities globally with the highest earthquake risk. The last major earthquake in Bangladesh occurred in 1918, with its epicenter within the country, causing significant damage. On January 4, 2016, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake led to panic, resulting in six deaths. No major earthquake has occurred in Bangladesh in the last 75 years, heightening the concern for a major quake in the near future.
Experts note that the tectonic plates of India and Myanmar run through Bangladesh. These plates have not experienced a large earthquake for centuries, causing a buildup of energy. This accumulated energy could trigger an 8-9 magnitude earthquake at any time. If such an earthquake occurs, it could lead to millions of casualties and reduce Dhaka to rubble. A joint survey by BUET and the government found that a 7.5 magnitude earthquake could cause the collapse of 72,000 buildings in Dhaka, resulting in a pile of 70 million tons of concrete debris.
Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dhaka University and Professor of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience, stated, "If a 7-magnitude earthquake occurs near the border, Bangladesh will face widespread destruction, especially in Mymensingh, Rangpur, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Dhaka. Dhaka will be affected due to the vulnerability of its buildings."
Professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansari from the Department of Civil Engineering at BUET explained, "Three tectonic plates pass through the vicinity of our country. Their junction lies near the border. We are situated on the Indo-Australian plate, to the north lies the Himalayas on the Eurasian plate, and to the east is the Myanmar micro-plate. All these plates are interconnected and active, shifting about 5 centimeters every year. The entire Earth is also moving in the same way."
He added, "The Fire Service and Civil Defense have the necessary equipment, but just having equipment will not be enough. Without repairing the buildings, people will inevitably be trapped under collapsed structures. Furthermore, the unplanned gas and electrical lines in Dhaka increase the risk of severe damage in the event of an earthquake."
