A 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh has killed 10 people and injured more than 200 across Dhaka, Narsingdi and Gazipur. Buildings cracked, factory workers stampeded, and universities reported serious injuries as widespread panic gripped the nation.
A moderate but powerful earthquake that struck Bangladesh on Friday morning has left at least 10 people dead and more than 200 injured, triggering widespread panic, building damage, and chaotic evacuations across several districts. The 5.7-magnitude quake, recorded at 10:38 a.m., shook Dhaka, Narsingdi, Gazipur and surrounding areas, marking one of the most alarming seismic events the country has experienced in recent years.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the earthquake’s epicentre was located in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, a densely populated industrial zone. Although the tremor was classified as moderate, its shallow depth and proximity to major urban centres resulted in unusually intense shaking. The sudden jolt sent thousands rushing out of offices, factories, schools and residential buildings, many of them in tears as memories of past regional earthquakes resurfaced.
Casualties Reported Across Multiple Districts
Local media confirmed that four people died in Dhaka, five in Narsingdi, and one in Narayanganj, bringing the total death toll to ten. Several of the fatalities occurred due to collapsing structures or panic-driven falls during the evacuation.
In Dhaka, three individuals died after the railing of a rooftop collapsed in Armanitola, trapping several people underneath. Emergency responders reported that dozens were injured in the same incident as frightened residents rushed towards staircases and rooftops in search of an escape route.
In Narsingdi, where the quake’s impact was felt strongest, five people were reported dead as structures shook violently and crowds attempted to flee buildings simultaneously. Authorities stated that the panic-driven stampede in congested neighbourhoods contributed to a number of the casualties.
The lone fatality in Narayanganj was reported in a residential area where a man collapsed while trying to escape from a multi-storey building.
Over 200 People Injured as Buildings Crack and Crowds Stampede
Hospitals across Dhaka, Narsingdi and Gazipur received a surge of patients following the disaster. The Directorate General of Health Services confirmed that 10 injured individuals were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), while 10 others were treated at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital.
In a deeply concerning incident, several Dhaka University students were seriously injured after jumping from buildings out of fear the structures would collapse. At least ten students were treated for fractures and head injuries, with some requiring long-term medical care.
In Narsingdi, 45 people sought treatment at the district hospital. Three of them, in critical condition, were later transferred to DMCH due to severe trauma. Another 10 individuals were treated at the Narsingdi 100-Bed Hospital for various injuries sustained during the chaos.
The worst mass injury event occurred in Gazipur’s Sreepur industrial zone, where over 150 garment factory workers were hurt in a stampede at the Denimex factory. Witnesses said the shaking caused workers to abandon their stations and run towards narrow exits, resulting in crushed limbs and other injuries as they piled over one another.
Structural Damage Reported in the Capital
Across Dhaka, reports emerged of cracked walls, damaged floors and broken plaster in residential and commercial buildings. Structural engineers said the damage appears mostly superficial but warned that detailed inspections are necessary, especially for older buildings and unauthorised constructions.
Social media platforms were filled with images and videos showing fissures in high-rise buildings, fallen debris, and household items scattered violently across rooms. Many residents said the tremor felt far stronger than a typical moderate earthquake, with some describing it as the “most frightening quake” they had ever experienced.
Authorities Urge Calm Amid Aftershock Fears
While no major aftershock was recorded immediately following the quake, authorities advised people to remain cautious. Disaster management officials stated that emergency teams are assessing damage, assisting hospitals and monitoring vulnerable structures.
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Experts have long warned that Bangladesh sits in a seismically active zone, making preparedness essential. Friday’s quake served as another reminder of the country’s urgent need for strict building codes, public awareness campaigns and swift disaster response systems.
