Earthquakes are a wake-up call that natural hazards can rapidly transform into human-induced catastrophes when urban planning, governance, and environmental stewardship fail. In a rapidly growing city, seismic risk is a development and governance challenge. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), poorly constructed buildings account for more than 70% of earthquake-related deaths worldwide. Studies by the Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (CDMP) estimate that over 60% of buildings in Dhaka are vulnerable to moderate seismic shaking. Protecting ecosystems, therefore, is not merely an environmental concern; it is a core component of disaster risk reduction.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 09, 2026 08:40 UTC