Experts have revealed that around 70% of buildings in Chattogram are at high risk of collapse in the event of a major earthquake measuring 7–8 on the Richter scale. Poor construction practices, lack of soil testing, weak foundations, and extreme population density have made the city dangerously vulnerable. Unplanned areas such as Reazuddin Bazar, Khatunganj, New Market, and Bahaddarhat are particularly at risk. Despite previous warnings and incidents, including the 1997 Hamzarbag building collapse that killed 23 people, authorities like the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) have failed to take effective action. A recent 5.7-magnitude quake caused panic across the city, highlighting the fragility of many structures. Experts also warned that vital installations such as the port, airport, and refineries could face severe damage. Fire Service officials cautioned that even moderate tremors could cause catastrophic casualties due to old and unregulated buildings. Urban planners and disaster experts have urged immediate enforcement of building codes and stronger preparedness measures.

In Sitakunda’s Syedpur union of Chattogram, villagers used mosque loudspeakers to mobilize and chase away two Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, Jasim Uddin and former commissioner Rehan Uddin Rihan, who allegedly attempted to fill around 100 acres of farmland with sand from the sea. The land, reportedly purchased by Awami League leader and Pacific Jeans managing director Syed Tanvir Hossain, was being prepared for industrial use without environmental clearance. Hundreds of villagers gathered, dismantled sand pipes, and forced the group to flee, leaving several injured. Local farmers and political leaders condemned the destruction of winter crops and demanded government intervention. The district Jamaat leadership denied involvement, claiming the accused acted independently. Sitakunda’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed no permission was granted for sand extraction and promised legal action against those responsible. The incident has sparked widespread outrage over environmental damage and land misuse in the coastal area.

Iran’s northern Mazandaran province has been battling a massive wildfire for over a week in the ancient Hyrcanian forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Firefighters and local residents have managed to bring about 80 percent of the blaze under control, according to officials. The fire, reportedly caused by human activity rather than natural factors, has already burned around 1,500 acres, as confirmed by NASA satellite imagery. The Hyrcanian forest, stretching along the Caspian Sea’s southern coast, is one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, home to rare species like the Persian leopard. No casualties or damage to nearby settlements have been reported so far. The wildfire coincides with Iran’s worst drought in 60 years, which has forced authorities to ration water in Tehran and other regions. Additional fires have also been reported near Jolfa in southwestern Iran, raising concerns about worsening environmental conditions across the country.

Dhaka University (DU) has formed a Central Coordination Committee and four sub-committees to inspect and evaluate the structural safety of its residential halls and academic buildings following a recent earthquake. The central committee, headed by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, was established after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The sub-committees, comprising experts from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department, will conduct technical inspections and assessments of the buildings. Their findings will be made public, and detailed reports will be preserved by the university’s engineering office and respective halls. If any building is deemed unsafe, students will be relocated to safer facilities. The committees include university officials, hall provosts, engineers, and representatives from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The initiative aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the university’s infrastructure in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Sylhet District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam has announced an immediate initiative to demolish 23 buildings identified as highly risky in the city’s earthquake-prone zones. The decision follows renewed fears after recent tremors and years of inaction by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), which had earlier marked these structures as dangerous nearly six years ago. The meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, focused on earthquake preparedness and post-disaster response. Officials and experts discussed evacuation challenges, especially in narrow streets that could hinder rescue operations. The risky buildings include government offices, markets, schools, and residential structures. Experts from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology warned that most of Sylhet’s 42,000 buildings are not earthquake-resistant, with 60–65% built without following proper construction codes. The SCC has formed a committee to review renovation and demolition plans, with authorities emphasizing urgent action to prevent potential disasters and ensure public safety.

A low-pressure system formed over the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait is intensifying and is expected to develop into Cyclone 'Seniyar' within the next 48 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Early warnings have been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. The cyclone, named 'Seniyar' meaning 'lion'—a name given by the United Arab Emirates—is projected to move west-northwest, but its landfall location remains uncertain. The IMD forecasts that the system will become a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Monday and may strengthen further. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has indicated the possible formation of another low-pressure area over the southern Andaman Sea, which could also intensify. Both Indian and Bangladeshi forecasts suggest stable weather in most regions, except for light rain in northern Bengal’s hilly areas. No major temperature changes are expected across Bangladesh and West Bengal in the coming days.

Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has described the recent series of earthquakes in Bangladesh as a profound warning rather than mere geological activity. In a Facebook post, he urged citizens to combine practical disaster preparedness with spiritual reflection and collective repentance, emphasizing that divine mercy is essential for true safety. Ahmadullah criticized the government’s inadequate disaster readiness, citing a lack of trained rescue workers, heavy equipment, and effective urban planning. He also condemned widespread corruption and wasteful spending on political events and unnecessary projects, arguing that such funds should be redirected toward earthquake-resistant infrastructure, rescue training, and emergency planning. The scholar further called on individuals to follow building codes and avoid constructing unsafe structures for short-term profit. He urged the government to develop a comprehensive national roadmap for disaster management, including rescue operations, medical care, shelter, and communication systems, while reminding society to maintain both physical and spiritual preparedness.

Following a series of mild earthquakes felt across Bangladesh last weekend, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting with top scientists, researchers, and university professors to assess the situation and formulate an action plan. Experts assured that there is no immediate cause for panic but emphasized the need for preparedness and public awareness. The government announced plans to form expert committees and task forces to evaluate building safety, hospital readiness, and public awareness programs. Participants highlighted the importance of combating misinformation on social media and involving youth in disaster preparedness initiatives. The Public Works Department has already begun assessing structural damage using specialized software. The Chief Adviser urged coordination with Bangladeshi scientists abroad through the ‘Shubhechha’ app and called for written recommendations from experts to guide immediate government actions. The meeting concluded with a decision to finalize a national earthquake preparedness strategy based on expert input.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has released the draft of the Saint Martin Master Plan and the draft directive on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste management 2025 for public review. The Saint Martin Master Plan aims to regulate uncontrolled tourism, protect the fragile environment, and ensure sustainable management of the ecologically sensitive island. The draft is available on the ministry’s official website, and stakeholders, including ministries, agencies, and the public, have been invited to submit written feedback via email to env2@moefcc.gov.bd by December 20, 2024. Similarly, opinions on the EPR directive draft can be sent to env3@moefcc.gov.bd by December 20, 2025. The ministry expects that collective input will help finalize effective and practical strategies to safeguard the island’s coastal ecosystem and address the country’s growing plastic waste challenges.

Authorities have announced the indefinite closure of the Madhyapara Stone Mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, following widespread fear among workers after a series of recent earthquakes in Bangladesh. The decision was made late Sunday night after workers expressed hesitation to enter underground shafts during the morning shift. The Belarusian contracting company and mine management jointly decided to halt operations and informed Petrobangla, which approved the suspension after a tripartite discussion. The mine’s Managing Director, D.M. Zobaid Hossain, confirmed that the closure was prompted by safety concerns and the psychological impact of recent tremors that caused fatalities elsewhere in the country. Workers have been granted leave until further notice while authorities assess safety conditions before resuming operations. The shutdown underscores the growing anxiety over seismic activity and its implications for industrial safety in Bangladesh’s northern region.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting with experts and officials in Dhaka on November 24 to discuss earthquake preparedness, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms. The meeting followed a series of four tremors that struck Dhaka and surrounding areas between November 21 and 22, the strongest measuring 5.7 magnitude. The quakes caused panic, structural damage, and led to the deaths of 10 people, including a child, while over 600 others were injured. Narsingdi reported the highest fatalities with five deaths, followed by four in Dhaka and one in Narayanganj. Experts warned that these tremors could signal a larger impending earthquake, urging authorities to strengthen disaster readiness and public awareness. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for immediate coordination among relevant agencies to minimize risks and ensure effective emergency response.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has published the draft master plan for St. Martin’s Island on its official website, inviting public and institutional feedback by December 20. The plan aims to regulate uncontrolled tourism, ensure environmental protection, and promote sustainable management of the ecologically vulnerable island. Additionally, the ministry has also sought opinions on the draft guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concerning plastic waste management 2025, with submissions due by December 20, 2025. Authorities expect that collective input from ministries, agencies, stakeholders, and the public will help finalize effective and realistic strategies to safeguard the island’s coastal ecosystem and address the country’s growing plastic waste challenges.

Following a series of recent earthquakes in Dhaka, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has identified around 300 buildings as vulnerable to seismic risks. RAJUK Chairman Riazul Islam announced the findings during a seminar on earthquake preparedness held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. He emphasized that without coordinated efforts among government agencies, managing post-earthquake situations would be extremely difficult. Islam urged all stakeholders, including city corporations and the fire service, to work together to reduce risks. He also clarified that RAJUK approves building plans only when they comply with regulations and does not engage in any financial irregularities. The chairman further noted that property owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings meet safety standards, and violations should result in penalties for them, not RAJUK. He criticized the lack of coordination among RAJUK, city corporations, and the fire service, which he said has led to disorder in urban management.

According to a new World Bank report titled 'From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Institutions Adapt in South Asia,' the region’s densely populated countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, are projected to become the world’s most climate-vulnerable areas by 2030. The report highlights that nearly 90 percent of Bangladesh’s population will face severe climate risks within the next five years due to rising temperatures, devastating floods, and increasing salinity in coastal zones. These impacts are expected to severely affect rural economies, agriculture, and employment, while also heightening household-level vulnerabilities. Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed emphasized that combating climate risks requires significant investment in energy, infrastructure, and data systems. She noted that while Bangladesh has several climate adaptation policies, implementing them remains a major challenge. Ongoing pilot projects and inter-departmental coordination efforts are underway to strengthen national resilience strategies.

A three-member team from Bangladesh’s Geological Survey, led by Deputy Director (Geology) Mohammad Anisur Rahman, inspected the Madhabdi area of Narsingdi following recent earthquakes. The team found that cracks in the ground appeared mainly in areas that were once ponds or wetlands later filled with loose sand. Rahman explained that the phenomenon, known as soil liquefaction, occurs when seismic waves cause water from nearby ponds to infiltrate sandy layers, reducing the soil’s load-bearing capacity and leading to surface collapse. He assured that the shallow cracks pose no immediate danger and can be easily filled, though buildings constructed on reclaimed land may face structural risks. Rahman added that the tremors are likely aftershocks of the 5.5 magnitude quake. Another official, Sohel Rana, noted that Bangladesh lies in a geologically complex tectonic zone, making earthquake prediction difficult, and warned that moderate to strong quakes may continue in the region.