BNP senior leader Professor AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said the government must take urgent and immediate steps to protect people from the risk of earthquakes.
“After experiencing this morning’s tremor, there is no reason to think we are safe,” he said while speaking at a discussion.
Dr Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, said if the interim government does not take emergency measures now, the consequences could be serious, especially considering the fragile condition of many old buildings in Old Dhaka. “Think about the buildings in Old Dhaka, and then think about the earthquakes in Türkiye, Iran or Afghanistan.”
Zahid said experts, including geological survey specialists, building designers, planners and other professionals, must work together with the government authorities for proper earthquake preparedness.
“This is the right time. If we delay any further, the damage could be much worse. We should act now to reduce losses,” he said.
The BNP leader also referred to the ongoing global climate conference in Brazil, saying major polluting countries were not responding properly to help reduce the impact of global warming on highly affected countries like Bangladesh.
As a result, he said, the effects of climate change are already visible in Bangladesh. “You can see winters getting longer, summers becoming hotter, and low-lying areas going under water. Compare the climate and geopolitical situation of today with that of 20, 25 or 50 years ago — you can clearly see the change.”
Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal (Dhaka North and South units) arranged the discussion, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day of historic November 7, 1975.
Earlier on Friday morning, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The tremor occurred around 10:38am and lasted for about a minute.
At that moment, when the earthquake struck, BNP leaders, activists and others attending the programme quickly rushed out of the Press Club auditorium out of fear.
Dr Zahid expressed concern over the recent arson incidents reportedly carried out by members of the deposed Awami League.
Powerful earthquake leaves five dead, scores injured across Bangladesh
He said people still remember the arson attack in front of the Sheraton Hotel, where 11 people were burnt alive in a double-decker BRTC bus using gunpowder during a 174-day shutdown enforced by the Awami League.
“Those who carried out those acts are now facing trial. Before the verdict in a case against them, they tried in many ways to create unrest and disorder in the country, and they have once again returned to the field with the same old arson violence,” the BNP leader said.
He said the nation remained united after the August 5 mass uprising, but any division now would only help the cohorts of the “fallen and fugitive autocrat”
“The autocrat may have fled, but her associates are still in the country. We must stay alert about the people around us and their behaviour,” Zahid cautioned.
The BNP leader urged political parties to prepare to seek people’s mandate through the next national elections early next year.