BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain has called on the government to take immediate and coordinated measures to safeguard lives and property following the recent 5.7-magnitude earthquake felt across Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Zahid warned that the country, especially old Dhaka, faces serious risks if proper structural and geological precautions are not taken. He emphasized that this is the right time for authorities, engineers, and planners to act to minimize potential damage. Zahid also linked the increasing frequency of natural disasters to global climate change, criticizing the inadequate response of developed nations at an ongoing international climate conference in Brazil. He noted that Bangladesh is already experiencing erratic weather patterns, including prolonged winters, intense heat, and frequent flooding in low-lying areas, underscoring the urgent need for national preparedness and environmental resilience.