At Least Three Dead in Bangladesh Earthquake

Published: 21 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A powerful earthquake shook Bangladesh on Friday, causing widespread panic and claiming at least three lives, health officials confirmed. The tremor struck near the crowded capital of Dhaka, raising concerns about structural safety in one of the world’s most densely populated regions.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.5 and struck at 10:38am local time (04:38 GMT) near Narsingdi, approximately 33 kilometers (16 miles) from Dhaka. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded a slightly higher magnitude of 5.7, with the epicenter in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi district. Residents reported the shaking lasted around 26 seconds, long enough to terrify those inside homes and offices.

In Dhaka, the capital city home to more than 21 million people, the quake sparked immediate panic. Al Jazeera reporter Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Dhaka, described the scene: “It was one of the biggest earthquakes in recent history and was very close to the capital city. The entire city was in panic. Social media videos have shown buildings shaking.” AFP reporters on the ground noted people weeping in the streets, while others appeared frozen in shock.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as buildings swayed and objects fell. One resident said, “I’ve never felt an earthquake like this before, never in my life. I was sleeping, and all of a sudden, I felt the whole building shaking, and then we all came down.”

Health authorities confirmed that at least three people were killed, including a medical student. Dhaka-based DBC Television reported a higher death toll of six, citing three victims who died from collapsed building roofs and walls, and three pedestrians struck by falling railings. Injuries were reported across the city, though authorities have yet to release an official tally.

The earthquake struck on a public holiday, meaning many residents were at home. While this may have prevented larger casualties in offices and schools, it did not mitigate the risk posed by older buildings and unsafe structures. Videos circulated on social media showed significant shaking and minor structural damage in several neighborhoods of Dhaka, amplifying public anxiety.

Bangladesh lies in a seismically active region, at the confluence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. While earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, the proximity to densely populated urban areas heightens the risk of casualties and property damage. The USGS issued a warning about potential “significant casualties” and structural damage in the aftermath of the tremor.

This latest quake is a stark reminder of Bangladesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters, coming amid ongoing concerns over urban planning and building safety. In recent decades, rapid urbanization in Dhaka has led to construction that does not always meet earthquake-resistant standards, leaving residents exposed during seismic events.

Local authorities have mobilized emergency response teams to assess damage and provide assistance to affected families. Hospitals in Dhaka and surrounding districts have been placed on alert to handle injuries, while rescue teams are inspecting buildings for structural instability.

The psychological impact of the earthquake has also been significant. Residents across Dhaka reported feeling anxious and fearful, with many taking to the streets or open areas for safety. Social media has been flooded with videos capturing the shaking, fallen objects, and the panicked reactions of citizens.

Officials are urging the public to remain calm and follow safety guidelines in case of aftershocks. Typical safety measures include moving to open spaces away from buildings, avoiding elevators, and checking homes for structural damage before re-entering.

Bangladesh has a history of seismic events, though most are moderate in magnitude. However, the concentration of population in urban centers like Dhaka increases the potential for casualties, making preparedness and public awareness critical. Geologists have warned that the region remains at risk for further tremors, which could exacerbate damage to already weakened structures.

This earthquake underscores the challenges facing Bangladesh in terms of disaster preparedness, urban planning, and emergency response. Experts stress the importance of stricter building codes and community education to minimize future casualties during seismic events.

International observers and neighboring countries have expressed concern over the earthquake, offering support for any necessary emergency response efforts. Humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the situation to provide assistance if needed.

As the aftermath continues to unfold, authorities are prioritizing the safety of residents, especially in vulnerable areas with older buildings. Early reports indicate that some homes and commercial properties have sustained minor to moderate damage, but no large-scale collapses have yet been confirmed.

For residents of Dhaka and surrounding districts, the earthquake is a chilling reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters in densely populated regions. It also highlights the urgent need for long-term planning and structural resilience to mitigate the effects of future earthquakes.

While Friday’s quake resulted in the tragic loss of life and widespread fear, the rapid mobilization of emergency teams and public awareness measures have been key in preventing even greater casualties. The government and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the days ahead.