Bangladesh quake kills nine, injures hundreds

AFP/APP

Dhaka: A powerful earthquake struck outside Bangladesh’s crowded capital Dhaka on Friday, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 300, authorities said.

The 5.5-magnitude quake hit at 10:38 am (0438 GMT) near Narsingdi, about 33 kilometres (16 miles) from Dhaka, according to the US Geological Survey.

The tremor triggered fear and chaos across the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million, with many citizens at home on their weekly day off. AFP reporters in Dhaka saw people weeping in the streets, while others appeared stunned.

According to the interim government’s press office, at least nine people have been confirmed dead and over 300 injured. Authorities reported damage to 14 buildings, while a fire that broke out at a power station was quickly brought under control.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed “deep shock and sorrow” over the loss of lives, stating that the government was taking “all necessary measures” in response.

The health department said nine critically injured citizens were transported to hospitals in Dhaka.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic after debris fell from an eight-storey building in the capital. “Many people had gathered at the butcher when the rubble fell,” said Sakib Hossain, 50, who ran outside after hearing a loud bang. “I saw vans carrying injured people.”

Another witness, Mohammad Sharif, who was in line to buy meat, said the falling debris struck several people. “A child suffered a serious injury on his neck and died immediately,” he said.

The shaking lasted 26 seconds, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, which recorded the magnitude at 5.7.

Yunus said that the situation was being closely monitored and that all relevant departments had been instructed to assess damages on the ground.

The 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate was appointed interim leader after a mass uprising toppled the previous government last year. National elections are scheduled for February 2026.