Dhaka, Nov. 21 -- The 5.7 magnitude earthquake that rattled Bangladesh on Friday should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to brace for an even stronger quake in future, says Mehedi Ahmed Ansary, who teaches civil engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

"Buildings need to be checked right away. Dhaka's buildings, in particular, need immediate attention," he said, drawing attention to potential damage that a powerful earthquake could unleash in the densely populated capital, where building codes are often ignored in construction.

"The government need not spend money in implementing this. RAJUK will certify which buildings followed construction codes," he said.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Ban...