A strong earthquake shook Bangladesh on Friday, claiming at least nine lives and injuring over 300 people, officials reported. The 5.5-magnitude tremor struck at 10:38 am near Narsingdi, approximately 33 kilometers from Dhaka, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake caused widespread panic across the nation of 170 million, many of whom were at home on their weekly day off. AFP reporters described scenes of shock and grief in Dhaka’s streets, with people fleeing buildings and some weeping openly.
At least 14 buildings suffered damage, and a fire broke out at a power station but was quickly contained. Witnesses reported masonry falling from an eight-story building onto crowded streets, tragically killing a child and injuring others.
Interim Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the casualties and confirmed that the government is taking “all necessary measures” to address the aftermath. Nine individuals with severe injuries were rushed to hospitals in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded the quake as lasting 26 seconds, with tremors felt as far as Kolkata, India, about 325 kilometers away. No immediate casualties or serious damage were reported in India.
Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate appointed as interim leader after last year’s mass uprising, is overseeing the emergency response. National elections are scheduled for February 2026.
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