Key Highlights
- A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Bangladesh on November 21, 2025.
- The quake killed at least five people and injured around 100 in the capital Dhaka.
- Buildings in Dhaka swayed, causing panic among residents and leading to roof collapses and injuries.
- The earthquake’s epicenter was near Narsingdi, about 33km from Dhaka, with tremors felt as far as Kolkata.
Earthquake Strikes Bangladesh: At Least Five Killed in Capital City
A powerful magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit Bangladesh on November 21, 2025, causing significant damage and loss of life in the densely populated capital city of Dhaka. According to government reports, at least five people were killed and around 100 more injured as buildings swayed, sending panicked residents into the streets.
Rescue Efforts and Damage Assessment
A rescue official was seen clearing debris from a roof collapse in Dhaka, while a medical student died when building railings fell on him. The health department reported that three people were killed due to building collapses, with another two pedestrians injured by falling debris.
Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Dhaka, described the earthquake as one of the biggest in recent history and emphasized its proximity to the capital city. “The entire city was in panic,” he stated, noting that social media videos showed buildings shaking and people fleeing into streets.
National Impact and Beyond
The quake’s epicenter, located near the city of Narsingdi, about 33km from Dhaka, was recorded by the US Geological Survey (USGS) with a magnitude of 5.7. The shaking lasted for 26 seconds, causing tremors as far as Kolkata, more than 325km away.
A resident in Dhaka recounted their experience: “I’ve never felt an earthquake like this before, never in my life, this was the first time. I was sleeping and all of a sudden, I felt the whole building shaking and then we all came down.” The fear and chaos were palpable as people sought safety on the streets.
AFP reporters in Dhaka reported scenes of people weeping and others appearing shocked. While there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in India, the tremors caused widespread concern across South Asia.
Expert Analysis and Future Implications
The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks faced by densely populated urban areas like Dhaka. Experts warn that the high population density and substandard construction in many buildings increase vulnerability to such disasters. The incident highlights the need for improved building codes, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness plans.
Al Jazeera’s coverage underscores the ongoing challenges of earthquake safety and resilience in South Asian cities. As communities rebuild and recover, the focus will likely shift towards enhancing infrastructure and public awareness about natural hazards.
