Multiple deaths as powerful earthquake strikes in Bangladesh leaving people ‘weeping in the streets’
Several people were killed and dozens more were injured after a powerful earthquake struck the crowded Bangladeshi capital on Friday.
The 5.7-magnitude tremor hit at 10:38am near the city of Narsingdi, about 16 miles from the capital of Dhaka.
City residents were seen weeping in the streets after several rushed out of their homes as buildings swayed and some makeshift structures collapsed.
At least six people died in Bangladesh’s capital; three from the collapse of a building roof and a wall, and three pedestrians when building railings fell on them in Dhaka.
Dramatic footage showed the moment a live news programme was interrupted after the earthquake struck, with two terrified female presenters frantically looking around as tremors jolted the television studio.
Elsewhere, videos shared on social media showed how cracks were formed in the ground and how buildings were left tilted by the powerful tremors.
Another clip showed how emergency services rushed to the site of damaged buildings to rescue people trapped in rubble.
Shaking was felt in eastern states in neighbouring India that border Bangladesh.
Fire service personnel work at the scene after at least three people are reported dead on the spot when the railing of the rooftop of a five-storey building collapses following an earthquake in the Kosaituli area of Armanitola in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 21, 2025
Residents stand in an alley after vacating their house next to a fallen scaffolding following an earthquake in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 21, 2025
A crowd gathers in front of the scene as at least three people are reported dead on the spot after the railing of the rooftop of a five-storey building collapses following an earthquake in the Kosaituli area of Armanitola in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 21, 2025
The USGS warned of potentially ‘significant casualties’ and damage in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people.
The rumbling lasted for 26 seconds with its epicentre in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi district, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
‘We felt a strong jolt and buildings were shaking like trees,’ said Suman Rahman, a Dhaka resident.
‘Staircases were jammed as people rushed down. Everyone was terrified, children were crying.’
The fire department reported injuries after bricks and loose cement fell from buildings that were under construction.
‘I have never felt such a tremor in my life. We were at the office when furniture started shaking. We rushed down the stairs on the street and saw other people on the road already,’ said Sadman Sakib, who works in a private firm in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, a test match between Ireland and Bangladesh was temporarily suspended as a result of the quake.
Cricket stars playing at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium ran off the field as the shaking started, while fans in the stands looked to get to safety.
The 5.7-magnitude quake hit at 10:38 am near the city of Narsingdi, about 16 miles from the capital of Dhaka
City residents were seen weeping in the streets after several rushed out of their homes as buildings swayed
One witness wrote on social platform X: ”We ran down from the press box which was shaking tremendously.’
Muhammad Yunus, the head of the South Asian country’s interim government, urged people to remain calm as authorities assess the damage.
‘Everyone is urged to remain alert and not pay attention to any kind of rumours or misinformation,’ he said in a statement.
‘Further guidance will be provided through hotlines and official channels if necessary. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens.’
According to the USGS, though northern and southeastern Bangladesh are seismically active regions due to interactions between the India and Eurasia plates, the country’s central region is less active.
