Demolition of quake-vulnerable buildings starts in Sylhet

Sylhet City Corporation demolished a residential building at Tantipara in the city yesterday as the three-storey building was listed as "risky" and vulnerable to earthquakes.

Alauddin Chowdhury, a local resident of Tantipara, said the initiative is appreciable as the building was beside a high school.

Dr Nurul Ambia, owner of the building, said, "I have received multiple notices from the corporation. According to the final notice, I evacuated the tenants."

Chief Exectuive Engineer (Acting) of SCC, Nur Azizur Rahman, said, "Sylhet is beside the Dauki Fault line and in a severe threat of a powerful earthquake. We have listed 32 risky buildings including Madhuban Market, City Super Market, Samabay Market and other residential ones. Our primary goal is to ensure safety of the citizens."

SCC Chief Executive Officer Enamul Habib said the building was enlisted as risky for years. Other listed buildings will also be demolished, he added.