A powerful earthquake struck near Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. This seismic event not only underscores the geological vulnerabilities of the region but also highlights the resilience and communal spirit of the Bangladeshi people in the face of natural disasters. With building structures under pressure, the aftermath prompts an urgent conversation on urban safety standards and preparedness for future tremors in densely populated areas.
On November 21, 2025, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake was recorded near the capital city of Dhaka, leading to the tragic death of at least five individuals and injuring numerous others, according to government reports. The earthquake struck at 10:38 AM local time, with tremors lasting for approximately 26 seconds, demonstrating the sudden and intense nature of seismic events.
Residents experienced the jolt in various ways, with Dhaka local Shadman Sakif Islam recalling how “small ripples” in his coffee were quickly followed by a sudden and violent shake. The unanticipated nature of the quake left many citizens in shock, and the experience has been aptly described by one resident, who felt as though they were “riding on a boat, riding massive waves one after another.”
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Narsingdi district, approximately 33 kilometers (16 miles) from Dhaka, a region renowned for its textile and garment industries. Reports indicate that several buildings in the capital suffered damage, with local media suggesting a higher number of casualties, although such figures have not been officially confirmed. For instance, Dhaka’s DBC Television reported that at least six fatalities occurred in the capital as a result of collapsing structures and falling debris.
Despite its proximity to the converging boundaries of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burmese tectonic plates, Bangladesh does not frequently experience earthquakes. In 2023, a magnitude 5.8 event near Sylhet resulted in no confirmed casualties. In 2021, a magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck near the borders of India and Myanmar, with only tremors felt in Bangladesh, and no deaths reported.
Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury described the recent earthquake as one of the largest in Bangladeshi history, given its closeness to the capital. The city’s response was marked by panic, as residents shared social media videos capturing the shaking of buildings and chaotic scenes. This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismological risks and highlights the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and response strategies.
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