Earthquake: 3 killed, over 50 injured

DHAKA, BANGLADESH – November 21, 2025 – A moderate but powerful 5.7 magnitude earthquake rattled central Bangladesh this morning. The tremor caused at least six confirmed fatalities and 65 injuries. The earthquake struck at approximately 10:38 a.m. local time. The epicenter was near Narsingdi, a short distance from Dhaka.

The strong shaking sent panicked residents rushing into the streets. Three people died immediately in Old Dhaka’s Bongshal area. A building railing collapsed from a five-storey structure, crushing the pedestrians below.

Focus Shifts to Building Integrity
Reports of cracked walls, falling plaster, and a leaning building quickly reached the Fire Service and Civil Defence units. This incident has reignited serious concerns about the safety of Dhaka’s building stock. Experts warn that a staggering number of existing buildings do not meet the seismic standards of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC).

Dhaka is one of the world’s most densely populated cities. It also sits in a moderate seismic intensity zone (BNBC Zone 2). This combination makes it exceptionally vulnerable. The use of non-engineered structures and development on vulnerable lowlands increases the city’s risk. Authorities stress the importance of following the BNBC 2021 codes, which include strict guidelines for ductile design and maximum height limits to save lives in future events.

Government Response
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) confirmed that hospitals, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Narsingdi District Hospital, treated all 65 injured people.

The Chief Adviser urged citizens to remain calm and ignore misinformation. The government is currently assessing the total damage. They promise to issue further instructions via official hotlines and channels as needed.