Earthquakes: how ready is Bangladesh?

The risk of earthquakes is on the rise globally, and Bangladesh is not immune. Given its geopolitical location, the country is situated in a region where the impact of seismic activity could be devastating.

Last Friday's devastating earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale that struck Mandalay in Myanmar has left 3000 dead and around 5000 wounded. The casualty figures are rising. This is a wake-up call for Bangladesh. The Myanmar quake also jolted Thailand's capital Bangkok causing an under-construction high-rise structure to collapse resulting in deaths. Smaller tremors in other neighbouring areas in this month have brought Bangladesh's preparedness crisis into sharp focus, underscoring the urgent need for action.

Thailand remains vulnerable to earthquakes, with an increasing frequency of seismic activity in recent years. This situation has raised concerns in Bangladesh, as its proximity to Thailand's border region further weakens its geological stability.

In Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, the risk of earthquakes is alarmingly high. While earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty, the lack of adequate preparedness could lead to catastrophic disasters in the future. As of 2025, no major earthquake warnings have been issued for Sylhet or Chattogram, yet the absence of effective government measures to mitigate such risks remains a major concern.

The lack of preparedness for earthquake management in Bangladesh has become a global concern. As Myanmar remains one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the world, Bangladesh, too, is at risk from the seismic threats in the region. It is important that the government takes adequate steps to enforce strict building regulations and enhance public awareness. International cooperation is crucial in this regard.

Fiad Nowshad Yeamin

Media communication & journalism department,

Canadian University of Bangladesh,

nowshadyeamin415@gmail.com