Bangladesh’s Cities at Risk as Unplanned Urbanization Spreads

Frequent earthquakes in and around Dhaka over the past weeks have reignited widespread concern among experts, residents, and policymakers.

The capital—already one of the world’s most densely populated megacities—faces an alarming combination of rapid, unplanned urbanization, fragile buildings, congested streets, and poor enforcement of construction standards.
The recent tremors have only amplified fears that a major earthquake could lead to a devastating urban disaster.

A Series of Quakes Heighten Anxiety:

Four tremors in roughly two weeks—most linked to the Narsingdi region—have raised concerns that the area may be experiencing renewed geological activity affecting Dhaka, Gazipur, and surrounding towns.
Why Urban Areas Are Becoming More Fragile
Bangladesh’s major cities have expanded at extraordinary speed, but in many cases without proper planning or oversight. Key risk factors include: 1) Narrow, overcrowded streets that impede fire service, ambulances, and rescue workers. 2) Buildings constructed without proper engineering or approval from regulatory authorities. 3) Weak enforcement of building codes, allowing unsafe structures to rise unchecked. 4) Extremely high population density, especially in the older sections of Dhaka. Old Dhaka: A Potential Epicentre of Urban Disaster
A research study titled “Investigating the Role of Open Spaces and Public Buildings for Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction in Old Dhaka”, conducted by Yousuf Reja and Md. (BUET), paints a stark picture of how unprepared the historic parts of Dhaka are for a major quake.
The study highlights: a) Large clusters of non-engineered, contiguous buildings. b) A maze of congested, narrow lanes that limit emergency access. c) A severe lack of open spaces or public facilities that could serve as evacuation points.
Using GIS analysis, space-syntax modelling, and field surveys, the researchers developed an evacuation and rescue-accessibility plan. However, they noted that without urgent updates to urban design and disaster-response guidelines, the theoretical planning will have little real-world impact.
Official Data Suggests the Threat Is Much Larger
Rajuk Chairman Riazul Islam stated after the recent tremors that around 300 buildings in Dhaka have been officially marked as “vulnerable.” However, independent estimates reveal a far more alarming scenario:
Dhaka has around 21.45 lakh buildings. Experts estimate over 800,000 may face collapse during a strong earthquake. Rajuk has assessed only 3,252 structures in Dhaka and Gazipur combined.
Urban planners argue that both property owners and authorities bear responsibility—many structures violate building regulations, while oversight remains inconsistent and ineffective.
Housing and environment advisers have urged immediate action, including: I) Retrofitting at-risk buildings II) Strict enforcement of updated building codes III) Greater authority for regulators to stop illegal construction Residents Voice Growing Fear Public anxiety is mounting as repeated tremors shake the region.
Taposh Debnath, a resident of Sayednagar (Vatara), urged the government to act swiftly: Weak buildings must be addressed immediately. Approving new structures using outdated regulations is both risky and puzzling.
Former multinational executive Jane Alam expressed shock at Dhaka’s urban conditions: “I haven’t seen such fragile buildings and poorly designed neighborhoods anywhere abroad. Ironically, rural areas seem safer now because they’re not as congested or structurally compromised.”

These sentiments echo the worries of many who believe Dhaka’s aging, densely packed neighbourhoods are dangerously unprepared for a major seismic event.
Conclusion: Immediate Action Needed to Prevent a Predictable Disaster
Dhaka—home to nearly 20 million people—ranks among the region’s most earthquake-vulnerable capitals. With the nearby Madhupur Fault believed to have reactivated, the possibility of a strong earthquake cannot be ignored.

The threat is uneven: neighbourhoods built on unstable soil, packed with non-engineered structures and lacking emergency-access routes, face the highest risk.

With a 5.7 magnitude quake on 21 November and additional tremors continuing since, the urgency for action grows with each passing day.

Unless Bangladesh implements rapid, coordinated measures—such as retrofitting buildings, redesigning urban layouts, enforcing construction standards, and creating accessible evacuation networks—the next major quake could turn parts of Dhaka into the centre of a preventable humanitarian catastrophe.