Magnitude 5.7 earthquake kills three in Bangladesh capital

A moderate earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday, resulting in at least three fatalities and multiple building damages in the capital region. The seismic event, measuring 5.7 in magnitude, sent panicked residents rushing from their homes and offices throughout Dhaka as the ground shook for several seconds during morning hours.

Fatalities and Building Damage

The three casualties occurred in Dhaka's Bangshal area when a railing collapsed from a five-story building during the tremor. Police officer Ashish Bose from the Bongshal police station confirmed the fatalities to news agencies. According to local fire department reports, at least seven buildings sustained damage in and around the capital region, with one additional injury reported beyond the three fatalities.

Earthquake Epicenter and Timing

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the quake struck at 10:38 am local time (0438 GMT) with its epicenter located in the Narsingdi district, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Dhaka. Despite lasting only briefly, the tremor was strong enough to cause significant alarm throughout the densely populated capital city and surrounding areas, highlighting the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.

Emergency Response and Regional Context

The earthquake prompted immediate emergency responses across affected areas, with rescue teams assessing structural damage and assisting residents. While Bangladesh typically experiences milder seismic activity compared to neighboring countries, this event underscores the potential risks to urban infrastructure in one of the world's most densely populated nations. The incident may prompt renewed discussions about building safety standards in a country where rapid urbanization has sometimes outpaced regulatory enforcement.