Building safety underscored

Against the backdrop of devestating earthquake in Nepal, experts in Bangldesh have underscored building safety to reduce risks.
In reply to a question on Bangladesh's building safety, Professor Ainun Nishat told the FE that to reduce disaster risks and save lives from earthquake, the government needed to focus its attention on three major issues.
It is important to monitor whether national building code is being followed during construction, retrofit the already-constructed and vulnerable old buildings in the capital's older parts, and construct buildings on properly-filled land.
The renowned environment expert said on the basis of intensity Bangladesh can be divided into four zones, and Dhaka is in the highest danger zone running the risk of 7.5 intensity earthquake.
He also said apart from taking precautionary measures during building construction it is imperative to train rescue teams. Already the government has trained 40,000 volunteers. But they should be trained more with modern equipment to fight disasters and minimise casualties.
He also suggested conducting annual drills with trained volunteers in coordination with the government, fire-fighters and other rescue members.
A senior official at the Public Works Department said there was no problem with the building designs, approved by the government bodies, but the problem occurs during their construction.
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