A 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit Bangladesh on Friday at 10:38 am, sending waves of fear across the country. The US Geological Survey reported that the quake struck near Narsingdi, around 33 kilometres from Dhaka, causing panic among millions who were home on their weekly day off. The sudden shaking forced people out of buildings, with many seen crying, praying and rushing into the streets in sheer shock.
Interim national leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow after confirming that at least five people, including a child, had lost their lives. Nearly 100 people were injured, among them university students and factory workers. Hospitals in Dhaka received several patients with serious injuries, highlighting the extent of the impact.
In one Dhaka neighbourhood, debris from an eight-storey building collapsed onto a crowded street. Eyewitness Sakib Hossain, who heard the loud crash, said people had gathered near a butcher shop moments before the rubble fell. Several vans were later seen carrying the injured to nearby clinics.
The USGS warned that the region could face significant casualties and damage. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the tremors lasted 26 seconds, long enough to trigger widespread alarm. Yunus assured the public that emergency teams were working quickly and all departments were monitoring the situation closely.
Strong tremors were also felt in Kolkata, India, over 325 kilometres away. Many residents rushed out of buildings, though authorities reported no casualties or significant damage there.
