Three killed as 5.5-magnitude quake hits Bangladesh

AFP/APP

Dhaka: A powerful earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday outside the crowded capital Dhaka, killing at least three people and injuring many others, health officials said.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the 5.5-magnitude quake hit at 10:38 am (0438 GMT) near the city of Narsingdi, about 33 kilometres (16 miles) from Dhaka. The Friday morning tremor sparked panic across the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people, many of whom were at home on their weekly day off.

AFP reporters in Dhaka observed people weeping in the streets while others stood in shock. The health department confirmed three deaths, including a medical student.

An eyewitness said masonry from an eight-storey building in a Dhaka district had collapsed onto a busy road. “Many people had gathered at the butcher when the rubble fell,” said 50-year-old Sakib Hossain, who rushed outside after hearing a loud bang. “I saw vans carrying injured people,” he added.

The USGS warned of potentially “significant casualties” and damage.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said the government was taking “all necessary measures” with maximum priority for public safety. Emergency services were responding swiftly to reports of damage from across the country, including Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded the quake at a magnitude of 5.7, saying the shaking lasted 26 seconds with its epicentre in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area. “The situation is being closely monitored, and all relevant departments have been directed to immediately go to the field to assess any possible damages,” Yunus said.

Yunus, an 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was appointed following the August 2024 mass uprising that toppled the government. He is leading the country toward elections slated for February 2026.

Strong tremors were also felt in Kolkata, India, more than 325 kilometres from the epicentre. AFP reporters there witnessed people fleeing offices and homes. “I felt tremors and my bed moved… I rushed out of my room,” said 66-year-old Sumit Dutta.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage in India.