6 high-risk buildings identified in N’ganj

Staff Correspondent :

Following the 5.7 magnitude earthquake that shook the country on 21 November, RAJUK inspected several damaged buildings in the Bhumipalli area of Siddhirganj, Narayanganj.

A team of experts from the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), and RAJUK visited the affected structures from Thursday morning to noon.

During the inspection, the team identified six buildings-including three visibly tilted ones-as high-risk.

They placed warning signboards on each of the buildings and instructed the owners to evacuate the residents immediately.

After the visit, Engineer A.T.M. Tanvirul Hasan Tomal, Vice President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), told reporters that the three most damaged buildings showed similar patterns of structural distress.

“We observed that soil settlement caused the buildings to tilt. We did not find any major structural cracks inside. The issue primarily stems from inadequate foundation work,” he said.

He added, “It appears that during construction, the foundation, basement, and piling were not done at the required depth or strength.

As a result, the weak soil layers beneath the piling shifted during the earthquake, causing the buildings to lean and develop internal cracks.

We will take measurements and submit a detailed report to RAJUK. RAJUK and the relevant ministry will decide the next steps, and we will assist them with our technical assessment.”

Engr. Rangan Mondal, Authorized Officer of RAJUK’s Narayanganj Zone-8, said that BUET and other concerned agencies will conduct further examinations of the high-risk buildings.

“Until we receive a formal safety report declaring the buildings secure, they cannot be used.

Once the buildings are fully vacated, further tests will be carried out and a report will be submitted to the higher authorities.

Until then, the use of these buildings is strictly prohibited,” he stated. Further actions will be taken according to subsequent directives.