Central Bangladesh Rocked by Deadly Earthquake
A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck central Bangladesh on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and leaving dozens more injured, according to local authorities. The tremor caused buildings in the nation's capital, Dhaka, to sway violently, prompting widespread panic as residents rushed into the streets for safety.
Timing and Epicentre Details
The quake occurred at 10:38 a.m. local time on Friday 21 November 2025. The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicentre in the Ghorashal area of the Narsingdi district, approximately 25 kilometres (16 miles) from Dhaka. The seismic event originated at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles), which often amplifies the shaking felt on the surface.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath
Dhaka-based DBC Television provided a grim account of the casualties. The report confirmed that at least six people lost their lives in the capital. The fatalities were caused by specific structural failures: three people died from the collapse of a building roof and a wall, while three pedestrians were killed when building railings fell on them. The incident highlights the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to such sudden geological events.
While northern and southeastern parts of Bangladesh are known to be seismically active due to the tectonic interactions between the India and Eurasia plates, this event is notable for occurring in the country's typically less active central region. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic hazards.
