Dhaka: Minister for Housing and Public Works Zakaria Taher today announced in Jatiya Sangsad that the government has implemented comprehensive measures for earthquake-resilient construction nationwide, adhering to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC 2020) and Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules, 2025. This announcement came during a response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Md. Mostafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3), with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presiding.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taher highlighted that building design approvals and construction supervision aligned with BNBC 2020 are being administered countrywide by relevant authorities. These authorities include the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Khulna Development Authority (KDA), Gazipur Development Authority (GDA), and Cox's Bazar Development Authority (CoxDA), alongside city corporations, municipalities, and district-level Building Construction Committees.
The minister further explained that in regions outside the jurisdictions of development authorities, city corporations, and municipalities, Building Construction Committees have been established. These committees, under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, are led administratively by the Executive Engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD) in each district. They are tasked with approving building designs and ensuring adherence to quality standards throughout construction phases.
Taher emphasized that the structural designs managed by BC Committees are reviewed by the Public Works Department to ensure they meet earthquake resilience criteria. He also mentioned that the Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority (BBRA) Act was enacted on April 10, 2026, as per Part-2, Chapter-2 of BNBC 2020, to ensure the thorough implementation and oversight of the building code across the nation.
The minister revealed plans for a licensing system for professionals involved in building construction, which will be introduced following BBRA's approval. He expressed confidence that the engagement of licensed professionals in design and construction supervision will significantly enhance the earthquake resilience of buildings at all levels.