A special seminar on Earthquake and Geotechnical Engineering in Bangladesh was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, UIU, on 22 November 2025. The session was delivered by Dr. Mehedi Ahmed Ansary, a leading expert in geotechnical and earthquake engineering in Bangladesh, who has contributed extensively to national seismic hazard assessment and structural safety guidelines.

Dr. Mujibur Rahman, Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Director of the Center for Smart Infrastructure, Resilience, and Sustainability (CSIRS), UIU, graciously chaired the seminar. Dr. Rumana Afrin, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, UIU, expressed her sincere appreciation to Dr. Ansary for his valuable and insightful lecture. Faculty members and students of the Department of Civil Engineering were also present, whose active participation enriched the session and made it more engaging.

During the seminar, Bangladesh’s current level of earthquake risk was discussed using established geological and seismological data, along with engineering measures to improve the seismic resistance of buildings. The concept of Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA) was explained, highlighting how systematic evaluation of structural integrity helps identify vulnerabilities and prioritize interventions. The importance of retrofitting older structures to enhance their performance under seismic loading was also emphasized. Additionally, the color-coded RMG preliminary building assessment summary was introduced, illustrating its use as a rapid tool to identify buildings requiring urgent attention.

The seminar provided students with a comprehensive understanding of earthquake assessment and resilient building practices. By linking DEA, retrofitting, and practical evaluation methods, it reinforced the importance of safety-conscious, evidence-based engineering, equipping students to become competent and responsible civil engineers.