United News of Bangladesh

Central Bangladesh, including capital Dhaka, the most densely populated megacity (population above 10 million) in the world has been shaken by a series of earthquakes over just two days, raising serious concerns about the city’s preparedness for a major tremor. Experts have warned that the overpopulated capital of Bangladesh could become a hotspot for earthquake vulnerability, as nearly 90% of its older buildings were constructed without adhering to proper building codes. Concerns intensified following the powerful, 5.7-magnitude earthquake that struck at 10:38am on Friday, shattering the usual weekend calm and turning the holiday into a frightening experience for residents of the capital. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the epicenter of the 26-second quake was in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, and its depth was recorded at just 10 kilometres below the surface. The tremor, felt across several parts of Bangladesh, left at least 10 people dead - four in Dhaka, five in Narsingdi and one in Narayanganj. Over 600 people were also injured. It is rare for earthquakes in Bangladesh to result in multiple fatalities. The last time it happened was in 1999, when an intense earthquake shook the island of Moheskhali, killing 6 people. Hundreds were also injured on the island off the coast of Chattogram in the country’s south-east. But Friday’s quake was instantly recognisable as something different, with deeper repercussions. Besides the casualties being spread across three districts, the epicentre being so close to Dhaka caused a projected 10 million people in Dhaka to feel ‘strong shaking’, according to the United States Geological Survey, which is the leading authority on earthquake data worldwide. Dhaka can’t withstand major quake; 95% of its buildings unplanned: Experts   Closer to the epicentre in Narsingdi, about 300,000 people were projected to have felt ‘high-intensity’ shaking. Literally everyone we spoke to in the capital confirmed they had never felt the ground shaking like it did during Friday’s quake. It was followed almost exactly 24 hours later by a much smaller aftershock, again with its epicentre in Narsingdi’s Palash upazila. The BMD reported that this quake, measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 10:36am on Saturday, about 29 km west of the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon. And then on Saturday evening, a third tremor in the space of 32 hours, considered a second aftershock of Friday’s quake, was felt in parts of Narsingdi and nearby districts including Dhaka. According to USGS, this latest quake measured 4.3 on the Richter scale and struck at 6:06pm local time, with its epicentre located 11 kilometres west of Narsingdi at a depth of 10 kilometres. Even though no casualties were reported from either of the two aftershocks, they served to heighten anxiety, confirming that the fault lines lying deep beneath them in the earth’s crust had become seismologically active. Several buildings across various areas of Dhaka were damaged after Friday’s earthquake. According to the Dhaka district administration, at least 14 buildings in the capital sustained damage from the quake, while the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) put the number at over 50, including many that had tilted. For survivors, the psychological impact lingers. For many, the ground no longer feels stable, and the fear of a stronger quake currently haunts millions across Dhaka. “I am a student of Mujib Hall (2024–2025 session). I became traumatized because of the earthquake. I live in the July Smriti Bhaban of Mujib Hall. Now, whenever a vehicle passes by my building or I hear even the slightest sound, I panic,” a Dhaka University student shared. “It feels as if another earthquake is happening. I repeatedly check my room and surroundings to see if there is a tremor,” he added. At least four students were seriously injured after jumping from the residential hall buildings of Dhaka University in panic during Friday’s quake. The university ended up first cancelling all classes scheduled for Sunday, before a syndicate meeting on Saturday suspended all academic activities till December 6, citing the physical and mental stress caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks, as well as the need to renovate the residential halls. Risky Buildings in Dhaka According to RAJUK, the first list of risky buildings was prepared in 2010 and updated in 2016. Currently, Dhaka has 321 extremely risky buildings, mostly in Old Dhaka. In 2024, RAJUK also identified 30 risky buildings across 21 educational institutions. A RAJUK survey conducted under the Urban Resilience Project between 2018 and 2022 found that approximately 865,000 buildings in Dhaka could collapse if a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Madhupur Fault near Tangail. Such a scenario could result in 210,000 deaths and 229,000 injuries if it occurred during daytime hours. Bangladesh’s cities, including Dhaka and Chattogram, remain highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to widespread disregard for building codes, master plans, and land-use zoning, according to the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD). Bangladesh Earthquake: Fire Service issues 8 safety guidelines Adil Muhammad Khan, Professor at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University, emphasized the urgent need for preparedness, citing the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar as a stark reminder of the risks. Experts have also expressed concern that, despite the formation of multiple reform commissions, the interim government has yet to establish a dedicated authority for planned urbanization, sustainable housing, and building safety. The Bangladesh Institute of Planners criticised the formation of an advisory council allegedly influenced by real estate developers to amend Dhaka’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP), favouring unrestricted high-rise construction. A new paradigm in construction When a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan in 2011, in buildings equipped with an innovation known as ‘base isolation’, not even a glass fell from the shelves. It is a construction technique in which the building (or other such establishment)is not rigidly attached to the ground. Instead, hundreds of special rubber–lead bearings are installed beneath it. When an earthquake hits, the ground may shake violently, but the building above moves gently — swaying slowly rather than shaking hard. As a result, people, furniture, equipment, and interior structures remain almost completely unaffected. Today in Japan, nearly all new towers, buildings, hospitals, schools, and data centres are required to have this system. Even 40–50-year-old buildings are being retrofitted by cutting the foundation and installing base isolation to give them a new, safer life. Some engineers recommend that Bangladesh should move in this direction to save itself from a catastrophic situation in the future. Under the Bangladesh National Building Code-2020 (BNBC-2020), important structures in Dhaka and Chattogram have already started using base-isolation systems. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, several metro rail stations, and a few new towers are already implementing this technology. A paper titled “Status of Base Isolation Applications in Bangladesh” was presented at the 19th World Conference on Seismic Isolation, Energy Dissipation and Active Vibration Control of Structure at Berkeley, USA in September this year. Home Adviser urges people to follow earthquake safety measures Tahmeed Al-Hussaini from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Khondaker Sakil Ahmed from the Military Institute of Science and Technology described the significance of the use of this technology. They mentioned that Bangladesh, located near the plate boundaries of Indian and Eurasian plates to its north and east, possesses significant seismic risk. Seismic Zone V of India, assigned with the highest seismic risk in that country, encircles Bangladesh on its northern and eastern sides. Their paper also referred to the fact that base-isolation has been adopted in two major bridges of Bangladesh. The 4.8-km Jamuna Bridge contains seismic steel pintles for earthquake protection, while the 6.1-km Padma Bridge contains double concave friction pendulum bearings. Analysis shows satisfactory performance of both base isolation systems. Particularly for Padma Bridge, the seismic demand on the bridge was large due to very deep pile foundations, double deck heavy superstructure and deep scour in the Padma River. Research results show that base isolation may be satisfactorily applied for mid-rise to high-rise buildings in Bangladesh. And the first application of base isolation to a building in Bangladesh is planned for a new headquarters of the Fire Service and Civil Defense in Dhaka. Considering earthquake risk, Bangladesh is divided into three seismic zones. Among them, the high-risk areas fall under Zone-1, medium-risk areas under Zone-2, and the least-risk areas under Zone-3. A map published by the Meteorological Department identifies the earthquake-prone regions of the country. In particular, nine districts of the Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions; parts of Tangail, Gazipur, and Narsingdi in the Dhaka division; the entire Kishoreganj district; Brahmanbaria in the Cumilla division; and large areas of the hill districts Khagrachhari and Rangamati are identified as high-risk zones. Ceiling And Wall Cracks After An Earthquake: When To Worry Statistics show that between 1976 and 2015, Bangladesh experienced at least five major earthquakes. Almost all of these originated in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Cox’s Bazar. Historically, it has been expected that these areas may also experience stronger quakes in the future. But the rapid and unplanned development of centrally located Dhaka city in the period since independence, and its proximity to the epicentre of the weekend’s tremors, are triggering renewed concerns over the fate that awaits the capital’s residents. During the inspection at three affected areas of Dhaka on Saturday, the RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam said this earthquake was a warning for us. “If we do not take it seriously, a major disaster awaits,” he warned. He added that authorities are preparing a list of the buildings that were damaged in the quake. The risky structures are being inspected on-site, and those found highly unsafe are being sealed or closed. “In some cases, dangerous installations are being removed. Unless all of us become aware and act responsibly, we may face a severe catastrophe in the near future.” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has warned that nearly 90% of old buildings in Dhaka were constructed without following the building codes, leaving the capital extremely vulnerable; especially in light of the recent earthquakes. Speaking to journalists in Mirpur on Friday, she said the latest tremor should serve as a serious wake-up call for Bangladesh. “We have never experienced earthquakes this strong. Repeated warnings are being issued; this is the time to prepare,” she said. 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World

Dealing with cracks on ceilings or walls after earthquakes is a long-standing issue for common people. Depending on the magnitude of the tremors, damage can range from tiny clefts to extensive spaces across walls and ceilings. Even after the tremors stop, there is a risk of bigger accidents from the cracks that have formed. In most cases, victims are unsure which of those could actually be deadlier. Let’s discuss the different types of post-earthquake structural damages and cracks to clear up confusion and take the right action with caution. Earthquake Cracks That Don’t Mean Trouble Be it in living or workplaces, seismic damage to property and furniture can come in many forms. But not all of these are severe enough to cause bigger accidents. Here are some signs you want to look for. Hairline Cracks These are very thin, pen- or spiderweb-like lines that appear on plaster or paint. These surface spots are formed when the plaster on the surface becomes flexible due to shaking. They are not harmful and can be easily repaired. Moreover, apart from seismic activity, these are also caused by normal house settlement, temperature change, and humidity fluctuations. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Splits in Structural Joints Weak spots emerge after a long time where the ceiling is directly connected to the wall. In most cases, this situation does not arise due to structural reasons. Interior Wall Stress Marks These walls typically don’t bear any load, acting as partitions. Unlike pillars, these walls do not support the building.

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Dhaka and some other parts of Bangladesh on the morning of 21 November 2025, sending tremors through the capital and surrounding districts.  Strong shaking was felt across Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and nearby areas.  In Old Dhaka (Armanitola), a portion of a building partially collapsed.  At least 3 people were reported killed, according to police.   People in Dhaka described panic, rushing out of homes and offices, and helping children and elderly to safety.  Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World What to Do During an Earthquake Here are some critical safety steps to follow if another quake strikes:             1.         If You Are Indoors             •          Stay inside — do not run outside while the building is shaking.             •          Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get under a sturdy desk or table and hold on.             •          If no furniture is nearby, move against an interior wall or into a hallway.             •          Stay away from windows, fireplaces, and heavy furniture or appliances, which could fall.             •          Avoid the kitchen, as items like dishes and pots can fall and injure you.             2.         If You Are Outside             •          Move to an open area, away from buildings, power lines, chimneys, and anything that might collapse.             3.         If You Are Driving             •          Carefully pull over, but do not stop under or on a bridge or overpass, or beneath trees, signposts, or power lines.             •          Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.             •          When you resume driving, be alert for road damage, fallen rocks, and other hazards.                         5.         If You Are Near the Ocean             •          Follow tsunami safety guidelines — move to higher ground if necessary and listen to local authorities. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Why This Matters Now This quake is a serious wake-up call. Dhaka is densely populated, and although buildings swayed rather than fell en masse, even moderate earthquakes can trigger panic, structural damage, or worse. Expert geologists warn that preparedness and quick, informed responses are crucial to minimizing harm. Take-Home Message: Stay calm, stay safe, and follow earthquake safety rules — they can save lives. (With inputs from USGS)

In recent years, several earthquakes have devastated different parts of the globe. Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement along tectonic plates within the surface of earth. These movements release energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the earth's surface to shake. These geological events disrupt lives and economies, standing as stark reminders of the need for earthquake preparedness. Let's take a look at the top earthquake-prone countries across the world and understand their vulnerabilities. The World's 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries Japan Japan occupies a precarious position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc characterized by fault lines and volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean basin. This is the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine, Okhotsk, and Eurasian. The primary reason behind Japan's seismic vulnerability is the collision and subduction of these tectonic slabs. The Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges. Read more Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 19,759 lives. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, measuring magnitude 7, caused about 273 fatalities.

After an earthquake, it is important to be cautious and stay safe. Earthquakes can cause significant damage to buildings and human lives. Knowing what to do and what not to do after an earthquake is essential. Let's take a look at the do’s and don’ts after an earthquake.  Potential hazards of earthquakes Earthquakes can have far-reaching consequences, both immediate and long-term. It can cause immense destruction to lives, communities, buildings, and infrastructure. In addition to that, an earthquake can also trigger landslides, floods, tsunamis, or other secondary hazards. Human lives are vulnerable to earthquakes. Earthquakes can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, and even death.  Earthquakes extensively damage buildings and infrastructure. Buildings may collapse due to shaking or be damaged by falling debris. Bridges, roads, and other transportation routes can also get damaged severely. Furthermore, fires can break out due to broken gas lines or other sources of ignition. Earthquakes can also lead to environmental hazards, such as landslides, floods, and tsunamis. Landslides are caused by the shaking of the ground, which can cause rocks and soil to become displaced and slide down a slope. Floods can be triggered by heavy rains following the earthquake or by dams that fail due to shaking. Tsunamis are large waves caused by the sudden displacement of large amounts of water by the earthquake and can cause extensive destruction to coastal areas. Finally, earthquakes can have long-term consequences such as environmental damage, economic loss, and psychological trauma. Earthquakes can cause air and water pollution due to the release of hazardous materials. Read More: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Do’s and Don’ts After an Earthquake Many people die by falling under the buildings demolished by the earthquake. Therefore, increasing public awareness is necessary to prepare for potential earthquakes and reduce damage. Check the following to know your steps after an earthquake. - Try to stay calm and check the surroundings. - Check yourself and others for injuries. - After the shaking, wait for a while, then exit. Because hanging objects may fall from above after a while. - Check that gas and electrical appliances are switched off. Also, check for any exposed pipes for gas or water leaks. If you can smell gas, open windows and get out of the home or structure. Get repairs done quickly. - Turn off the main switch or fuse if there is an electric spark anywhere. Beware of damaged buildings. - Listen to the radio or, if possible, contact others through mobile for further instructions from the authorities. - Make a gentle tap on the pipe or wall to make your presence known during the rescue operation. Consider screaming as the last option. Because, while shouting, harmful dust can enter the mouth.Move away from building exteriors and power lines. - If you are indoors, remain inside and move away from windows. - If you are outside, move away from any building, infrastructure, tree, and power line. - Don’t go near the coastline in case of a tsunami warning. - Don’t try to drive until roads have been cleared of debris. - Refrain from going sightseeing. Stay away from affected areas. - Stay away from using elevators or escalators. - If you suspect damage in the sewer, don’t flash your toilet. - Cover your nose and mouth with your hand or a handkerchief if you fall into the dust.Engage yourself in rescue work. Help for evacuation of affected people to temporary shelters. Read More: Landslide Safety, Preparedness Tips: Dos and Don'ts   Final Words Bangladesh is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world due to unplanned urbanization, non-compliance with required building codes, and sprawling buildings and structures. Since an earthquake is a natural disaster, it cannot be stopped. Therefore, this disaster is possible only through strong and effective post-earthquake institutional management to prevent earthquake pre-preparation and damage. All public and private organizations must be prepared in advance for earthquakes. That is why it is important to take proper steps for all the organizations, including necessary training to properly concentrate in the post-earthquake period. Development of pre-preparedness is absolutely essential as overall readiness for earthquakes in the current framework is very poor in Bangladesh. So far, we have discussed the potential hazards of earthquakes and the steps to take after an earthquake. By understanding these post-earthquake cautions, you can better prepare yourself and your family for an earthquake.