Others believe that although the experts are aware of the consequences, they are not sincere in implementing regulations related to construction of building.

The Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD) conducted the opinion poll in six divisional headquarters between August 10 and 13 this year in which 1005 people took part.

Of the respondents, 27 per cent were illiterate, 31.6 per cent studied up to class five, 27 per cent studied up to class nine, 12.1 per cent had education up to SSC or HSC and the rest have university degrees.

Dr Ainun Nishat and Dr AK Enamul Haque supervised the poll.

The poll asked questions on several other issues. On earthquake related emergencies, about 52.2 per cent of the respondents said that rather than waiting for the government, local people should prepare themselves to deal with any consequences of the earthquake.

However, 47.8 per cent think that government can successfully deal with emergencies related to earthquake.

On the recent launch accidents, 52 per cent respondents suggested stern action against the launch owners who are deliberately violating laws.

On the other hand, 48 per cent think that government cannot do much against the launch owners unless the owners associations take actions against their members for violating laws.

The law and order situation has been a major contentious issue since long. So far, the government took several measures to improve law and order. About 47.9 per cent of the respondents said that overall law and order has not improved.

The rest 52.1 per cent are somewhat satisfied and think that there has been some improvement despite apparent failures. However, only 15.2 per cent said that the law and order has improved up to their expectation.

The government has formed joint forces, comprising BDR, police and coastguards to deal with growing insurgencies in the southwest region.

Of the respondents, 66.2 per cent appear to have support for the government initiatives and deployment of joint forces. The rest 33.8 per cent, however, suggested that government should take steps to improve the efficiency of police.

Sixty per cent of the respondents were not in favour of sending troops to Iraq even with the approval of the UN as long as US troops remained stationed there.

Most of them did not want to send the Bangladeshi soldiers in the conflict zone. On the other hand, nearly 40 per cent said troops can be sent with UN authorisation.