The country’s leading experts, researchers and university professors have said that there is no reason to panic due to the recent earthquake; rather, necessary precautionary measures must be taken.
In the wake of the earthquakes felt several times last Friday and Saturday, the experts expressed this opinion at an emergency meeting held today (November 24, 2025) at the office of the Chief Adviser under the chairmanship of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
In the meeting, the Chief Adviser urged the experts to give written advice on what the government should do as soon as possible.
He said, “We do not want to keep our hands folded, nor do we want to take any unscientific steps. Give us your suggestions in writing quickly; the government is ready to take all necessary steps.”
He said that work is underway to form the necessary expert committees and one or more task forces. Activities will be taken accordingly as soon as the experts’ advice is received.
The meeting was attended by the advisors, including Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul, Disaster and Relief Advisor Faruk-e-Azam, Energy Advisor Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Housing and Public Works Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Professor Ali Riaz.
The experts present were Professor Md. Zainul Abedin of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST); Professor Dr. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); Professor Tahmeed Malik Al-Hussaini of BUET; Professor Md. Zillur Rahman of the University of Dhaka; Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam of the University of Chittagong; Professor Dr. Humayun Akhtar of the University of Dhaka; Professor Dr. Tanvir Manzoor of BUET; Bangladesh Meteorological Department Director (Current Responsibility) Md. Mominul Islam; Meteorologist Md. Rubaiyat Kabir; Geologist Dr. Reshad Md. Ikram Ali; Disaster Expert Dr. Md. Shakhawat Hossain of Dhaka University; Director of Disaster Management and Risk Management Institute of Dhaka University Md. Moniruzzaman Khan and Professor Israt Islam of BUET.
At the meeting, the Chief Advisor said, “The deaths and injuries of those who were injured in the terrible earthquake a few days ago are a very tragic incident. We must prepare so that such a thing does not happen again.”
He also said, “You have written in newspapers, given suggestions, shared experiences. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect the people from this panic. Tell the government what we need to do in this situation. Tell them what preparations need to be made, what awareness needs to be raised on certain issues. Whatever the disaster may be, so that we can make all the necessary preparations.”
He said that experts’ advice is also needed on what kind of drills will be needed as preparation for an earthquake.
He said, we also need to assess the stage we are at in preparing for an earthquake.
The chief advisor also suggested coordination with Bangladeshi scientists and earthquake experts living abroad.
He also said that institutions working on earthquakes should increase coordination with foreign institutions.
He said, “We have made an app called ‘Shubechcha’ for expatriate Bangladeshis. Connect with Bangladeshi scientists and experts living abroad through this app. Also suggest us on what other features can be brought to the app.”
Experts said that many rumors have been created around the earthquake, especially on social media. It is being said that a major earthquake will occur within 48 hours… within 10 days… within 1 month… – such misinformation is being spread.
They said, no one can say when an earthquake will occur. A time frame can be estimated by looking at how many earthquakes have occurred in a region in how many years and what their magnitudes were. But the specific day-date-time cannot be given.
At the meeting, Professor Dr. Zillur Rahman said that the source and origin of the earthquake should be reviewed – how many sources there are in and around Bangladesh and what the shaking level could be due to them.
He said that the possibility of a major earthquake in Bangladesh is low, because we are a low-seismic area. However, we have to be adequately prepared.
Professor Dr. Humayun Akhtar of Dhaka University said that it is important to use young people to create public awareness. “We have to make plans at four levels – indoor, outdoor, individual and institutional – and reach everyone. If we use the youth to take natural hazard plans and technical initiatives, everyone will be able to prepare mentally.”
CUET Professor Jahangir Alam said, “The ministry can evaluate the facilities under their jurisdiction. Special importance should be given to hospitals, educational institutions, electricity and gas connections. Launching earthquake programs in schools, colleges and universities will not create panic, but rather awareness.”
MIST Professor Md. Zainul Abedin said, “Everyone should be made to understand that there is no need to panic. We have to work within our resources. More specific information about what to do should be reached to the people. People should be made aware of keeping a cool head. It should be informed about which areas have open spaces, where people can gather, and drills should be conducted accordingly. It is essential to organize drills in homes and educational institutions.”
