Powerful Earthquake Shakes Bangladesh; Strongest Tremor in Recent History, Expert Says.
Dhaka, Bangladesh - A strong earthquake rattled Bangladesh at 10:38 a.m. on Friday, sending residents rushing out of homes and office buildings as tremors were felt across several districts. According to leading earthquake specialist Professor Humayun Akhtar, the shaking experienced today was among the strongest ever recorded in the country’s recent history.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported that the quake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter located in the Madhabdi area of Narsingdi, just northeast of the capital. BMD classified the event as a moderate earthquake, though the shaking felt notably strong in many areas.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provided a slightly different reading, reporting a magnitude of 5.5. According to USGS data, the epicenter was situated 14 kilometers (9 miles) west-southwest of Narsingdi, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles)—a depth that often results in stronger surface-level shaking.
Meanwhile, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) assessed the quake’s magnitude at 6.0, based on regional sensor readings.
Professor Akhtar told Prothom Alo that the quake originated along the Indo-Burma tectonic plate, one of South Asia’s most active seismic zones.
> “The intensity and violent shaking observed today were, in my experience, among the strongest Bangladesh has ever felt,” he said.
Strong Tremors Reported Across Several Districts
Residents in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Tangail, and Narsingdi described the tremor as “sudden and forceful,” with many evacuating multi-story buildings. Social media quickly filled with videos of swaying structures and people gathering in open areas.
No major casualties or structural damage have yet been reported.
Experts Warn of Continued Seismic Risk
Seismologists caution that Bangladesh remains highly vulnerable due to the active fault lines surrounding the region. They recommend stricter building standards, improved public awareness, and preparedness for future events.
Earthquake Safety Tips
Turn off gas lines and electrical switches if safe to do so