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2013-05-14

Added 2026-08-11 · Updated 2026-08-14

DFIM Circular No. 03: Ensuring Structural Safety of the Establishments of Financial Institutions

The document mandates all financial institutions in Bangladesh to ensure the structural safety of their premises following a recent building collapse. Institutions must engage qualified engineers to assess structural integrity and seismic risks within three months, submitting reports to their boards, and repeat these assessments every two years. Additionally, institutions are required to obtain necessary legal approvals for new constructions or leases and regularly conduct emergency preparedness drills, including fire safety and earthquake response training.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank

31 Baisakh, 1420 DFIM Circular No. 03 Date: ------------------- 14 May, 2013

To, Chief Executive/Managing Directors, All Financial Institutions operating in Bangladesh.

Dear Sir,

Regarding ensuring the structural safety of the establishments of Financial Institutions.

In light of the recent tragic incident of a multi-storey building collapse in Savar, the structural safety (Structural Integrity) of the establishments of all financial institutions has been examined with serious concern. It is necessary to take greater precautions and adopt proactive measures to prevent such fatal accidents in the future. In this regard, you are advised to strictly comply with the following instructions:

Ensure that all laws and statutory bodies' approvals regarding the construction of buildings are obtained prior to the construction of any future establishment of a financial institution or taking it on lease/rent.
The existing buildings (main offices and branch offices) of financial institutions must be assessed for structural integrity and related risks by a suitable and professional team of engineers appointed by the financial institutions. A report regarding this must be submitted to their respective boards within the next 03 (three) months. Furthermore, such assessment programs must be conducted every 2 (two) years, and reports must be submitted to the boards.
The instructions similar to Clause 2 will also apply to buildings to be constructed in the future or taken on lease/rent.
Arrangements must be made to regularly conduct various proactive programs for handling accidents, such as fire safety drills, training on actions to be taken in case of earthquakes and building collapses, etc.

These instructions will be implemented immediately.

Yours faithfully,

(Md. Sohrawardy) General Manager Phone: 9530178

DFIM: 03.01.0000.000.00.000.13.100 DFIM: 03.01.0000.000.00.000.13.100 DFIM: 03.01.0000.000.00.000.13.100

Financial Institutions and Market Department Bangladesh Bank Head Office Dhaka.