Strong quake hits near Dhaka
On the morning of 21 November 2025, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck central Bangladesh, with its epicentre near Narsingdi district, around 25 km (about 16 miles) east of the capital, Dhaka. The tremor, felt across large parts of Bangladesh and into neighbouring India, was reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to have occurred at a shallow depth of roughly 10 km.
Casualties and panic in the capital region
Initial reports say at least five people were killed and dozens injured in the shaking and ensuing building collapses. In Dhaka, three of the fatalities came when railings collapsed outside a street building in the old city area of Armanitola. Two children were among those who died elsewhere when walls or roofs gave way.
Many residents described the event as the strongest earthquake they had experienced in years. Some students at Dhaka University reportedly jumped from dormitory windows in panic as the quake struck.
Damage, disruption and after-effects
Several buildings in Dhaka and nearby districts suffered cracks, falling debris and tilting, prompting evacuations and widespread fear. In the industrial zone of Gazipur, factories were shaken and workers reported injuries during the rush to evacuate. Although none of the damage has yet been described as catastrophic, experts warn that Dhaka—home to millions in older, densely-packed buildings—is highly vulnerable to seismic shocks.
What experts say and what to watch
Seismologists note that Bangladesh sits far from major plate boundaries but contains ancient fault lines that can produce damaging earthquakes in heavily-populated zones. The tremor may serve as a wake-up call for improved building codes and preparedness. Authorities are now assessing the full scope of damage—from structural risks to disrupted infrastructure—and monitoring for after-shocks that could aggravate weakened structures.
The takeaway
The 21 November quake has left at least five people dead and dozens injured in Bangladesh, reminding the nation of its exposure to seismic risk despite the relative rarity of strong tremors. With the capital region especially vulnerable, the event is likely to prompt renewed focus on disaster readiness, structural safety and public-awareness in a region where even moderate earthquakes can carry high stakes.
