New Market, Lalbagh, Keraniganj at High Earthquake Risk; Tejgaon, Motijheel, Jatrabari at Moderate-to-High Risk

More than half of the 1,528 square kilometer area under the jurisdiction of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) is at risk of a major earthquake. Consequently, there are fears of widespread damage and casualties in Dhaka if a severe earthquake strikes. According to a study, several areas, including New Market, Lalbagh, and Keraniganj, are under high risk of earthquakes.

A recent study by RAJUK and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) reveals that approximately 55% to 60% of Dhaka's areas are at risk. During an earthquake, the soil in these areas could lose its strength and weaken, posing a risk of buildings sinking, tilting, or cracking.

Professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansary of BUET's Civil Engineering Department stated that due to loose and filled soil, earthquake tremors could be felt more intensely in these areas. More than half of the 1,528 square kilometer area under RAJUK's jurisdiction remains at risk of a major earthquake.

According to geologists, Dhaka's soil is primarily composed of soft clay and alluvial silt, which is not suitable for densely populated urbanization. As a result, a powerful earthquake could cause extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Researchers have categorized Dhaka into four risk zones using the Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI): the highest risk, moderate-to-high risk, relatively low risk, and lowest risk zones.

Areas within the High-Risk Zone Hazratpur, Savar, Keraniganj, Narayanganj, Tegharia, Konda, Enayetnagar, Kashipur, Kalagachhia, Narayanganj Municipality, Bandar, Mograpara, Narayanganj Sadar, Baktabali, portions of Mohammadpur and Dhanmondi, New Market, Lalbagh, Madanpur, Dumini, Badda, Pathalia, Ashulia, Kataballi, and certain areas of Darus Salam. In these areas, the risk of soil weakening and structural damage to buildings during an earthquake is the highest.

Areas within the Moderate-to-High Risk Zone Konabari, Yearpur, portions of Harirampur, Birulia, various municipal areas, Cantonment, Pallabi, Gulshan, Rupganj, Bhulta, Khilgaon, portions of Kafrul and South Khan, Adabor, Tejgaon, Rampura, Motijheel, Demra, Sabujbagh, Jatrabari, Kadamtali, Kadam Rasul Municipality, Musapur, Fatullah, portions of Hazaribagh, Sadipur, Kanchpur, and Paltan. These areas could also face significant risks during an earthquake.