After a series of earthquakes rocked the Chittagong region a few months back, the ministry requested Rajuk to add some recommendations to the 'disaster affairs statutory order' to ensure better safety for the buildings in the city.

Last month, Rajuk sent the recommendations to the disaster management secretary.

"The ministry sought these recommendations to avert large-scale damage from earthquakes. It will also ensure that a builder gets a proper approval from Rajuk," said a senior official of Rajuk, seeking anonymity.

"After revisions, the ministry will send the recommendations to the law ministry for inclusion in the disaster affairs statutory order," the official added.

Rajuk proposed that soil investigation is a must before building structures and the builders will have to seek permission for high-rises with more than six storeys from the Geological Department.

It suggested that the builders follow the Bangladesh National Building Code in construction and the architects and engineers directly supervise construction.

"The architects, engineers, town planners and builders should update themselves on the earthquake-resistant technology," the official said.

The recommendations also said the suggestions of the structural engineers might have to be sought before start of any structure on the land the Dhaka Master Development Plan identified as faultline-risky.

Rajuk officials should be employed to monitor the construction of high-rises on the faultline and in unsafe areas of the city.

Rajuk also recommended that committees would be formed in wards in Old Dhaka to detect the risky buildings. The committees will make lists of the structures and will try to protect them by retrofitting. If the buildings cannot be retrofitted they will be demolished, Rajuk said.