Bangladesh Earthquake Claims Lives, Injures Hundreds in Dhaka

DHAKA, Bangladesh – A magnitude 5.7 earthquake rattled Bangladesh on Friday morning, resulting in at least five fatalities, including a child, and approximately 100 injuries, according to government sources.

The earthquake struck around 10:38 a.m., with its epicenter located near Narsingdi, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Dhaka. The tremors were also felt in eastern states of neighboring India, but no significant damage was reported there.

Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, reported that the injured included university students, factory workers in Gazipur, and residents in the Narsingdi area, which was essentially at the quake’s center. Specific details regarding the deaths were not disclosed, but police confirmed that three fatalities occurred when a railing collapsed from a six-storey building during the quake.

Subsequent reports indicated that several individuals were in critical condition after being rushed to hospitals from Narsingdi. Health adviser Nurjahan Begum stated, “We have a significant number of injured. The situation is concerning.”

Witnesses in Dhaka recounted a strong jolt, with buildings shaking violently. Suman Rahman, a local resident, shared, “Staircases were jammed with people rushing down. Everyone was terrified, children were crying.”

The fire department indicated that other injuries were caused by falling bricks and debris from buildings undergoing construction. “I have never felt such a tremor in my life,” said Sadman Sakib, who was at work during the quake. “We rushed down, and the street was filled with panicking people.”

To address the crisis, the government has intensified rescue operations and is closely monitoring the situation. Yunus urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors. “Further guidance will be provided through official channels if necessary. We are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety,” he stated.