Demolish known vulnerable buildings within a month

The government has directed Rajuk and two Dhaka city corporations to demolish within a month the 321 buildings identified as vulnerable, said Disaster Management Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya yesterday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of National Earthquake Preparedness and Awareness Committee.

The committee also asked the authorities concerned to submit a report after demolishing the risky buildings and asked Rajuk to submit a full report on the present condition of those buildings within seven working days, said the minister.

Maya said his ministry has already requested the power and energy ministry to cut power and gas connections to the identified buildings.

The committee was informed that 18 buildings got tilted across the country during the April 13 earthquake.

Maya said the government has purchased tents worth Tk 100 crore in advance for tackling any possible earthquake disasters in addition to procuring equipment worth Tk 69 crore for disaster management.

Besides, the minister said, a national emergency operation centre for disaster management will be set up in the city's Agargaon.

Disaster Management Secretary Shah Kamal, representatives from Air Forces Division, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, fire service, city corporations, and Rajuk, attended the meeting.