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Picture this: it’s a regular Friday morning in Dhaka. You’re sipping your coffee at your desk when suddenly your cup starts rippling. Your chair shakes uncontrollably. The entire city holds its breath.
This isn’t a scene from a movie. This is exactly what thousands of Dhaka residents experienced on November 21, 2025, when a powerful 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the capital city.
If you felt that tremor or you’re wondering what’s happening with earthquakes in Dhaka right now, you’re in the right place. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the earthquake today in Dhaka, recent aftershocks, and most importantly, how to stay safe.
What Just Happened? The Earthquake Today in Dhaka Explained
The main earthquake hit Dhaka on Friday morning at 10:38 AM local time, lasting about 26 seconds. The epicenter was located in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi district, approximately 13 kilometers from Dhaka’s Agargaon area.
This wasn’t your typical minor tremor. The 5.5-magnitude quake was powerful enough to be felt over 325 kilometers away in India’s Kolkata. For residents in Dhaka, it was intense—buildings swayed, windows rattled, and people rushed into the streets fearing what might come next.
According to official reports, the earthquake killed at least five people and injured roughly 100 others. Local media reports suggested higher casualty numbers, though these remain unconfirmed. The most tragic incident involved a brick-built railing collapsing from an eight-story building in Armanitola, killing three people instantly.
The Aftershock Pattern: Multiple Earthquakes in Dhaka
Here’s what makes this situation particularly concerning for residents: the aftershocks didn’t stop at one.
Within just 31 hours of the main quake, Dhaka experienced four separate earthquakes. Here’s what went down:
- Friday, 10:38 AM – The main 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Narsingdi
- Saturday, 10:36 AM – A 3.3 magnitude aftershock hit Bypail, Ashulia
- Saturday, afternoon – Additional tremors with magnitudes of 3.7 and 4.3 were recorded
- Saturday, 6:04 PM – Another tremor was felt across the city
Residents reported swaying buildings, rattling windows, and momentary evacuations from homes and offices. Ground fissures measuring 6 to 8 inches wide even opened up in some areas like Narsingdi.
This rapid succession of tremors has left many people asking: is this normal? Should we be worried about something bigger?
Are More Earthquakes Coming? What Seismologists Say
According to Rubaiyat Kabir, Officer-in-Charge of the Earthquake Monitoring Center at Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department, aftershocks can continue for one to two weeks following a major quake.
But here’s the real concern experts are raising: the Friday earthquake could have been a foreshock—meaning an even larger earthquake might follow.
“Today’s events were mild – but what happened yesterday could also be a foreshock,” one seismologist warned. “If a larger earthquake follows, that 5.7 would seem minor in comparison.”
Renowned seismologist Dr. Humayun Akhtar, former professor at Dhaka University, echoed these concerns. While multiple aftershocks in a single day aren’t unusual, the specific pattern observed is deeply concerning and warrants careful monitoring.
Why Is Dhaka Experiencing Earthquakes? The Geological Reality
Dhaka’s location makes it vulnerable to seismic activity. The city sits near the boundaries of three major tectonic plates:
- The Indian Plate
- The Eurasian Plate
- The Burmese Plate
These tectonic boundaries create stress and movement in the Earth’s crust, which can lead to earthquakes. However, earthquakes in Bangladesh don’t occur frequently. Historically, Dhaka experiences about 1.8 earthquakes per year on average, with magnitude 5+ earthquakes happening roughly once every 10-15 years.
The last significant earthquake before Friday’s 5.5 magnitude quake was in 2023 near Sylhet, which measured 5.8. That quake caused minimal damage.
Earthquake Dhaka: What Happened to Buildings and Infrastructure?
The 5.5 magnitude earthquake caused visible damage across Dhaka:
- Multiple buildings sustained structural damage requiring inspection
- A brick railing collapsed from an 8-story building, causing casualties
- Scaffolding collapsed in several areas, injuring pedestrians
- Ground fissures opened in Narsingdi district
- Residents evacuated from homes and office buildings
In response, Rajuk (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha), Dhaka’s city development authority, announced a citywide drive to identify risky buildings and take immediate action. Engineers were dispatched to assess damage and determine which structures pose ongoing safety risks.
Earthquake Safety: What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re in Dhaka and worried about future tremors, here’s your action plan:
During an Earthquake:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately
- If indoors, move away from windows and heavy objects
- If outdoors, move away from buildings and power lines
- Never use elevators
After an Earthquake:
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Inspect your home for gas leaks and electrical damage
- Listen to official updates from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department
- Stay out of damaged buildings
Before the Next One:
- Create an emergency kit with water, food, and first aid supplies
- Know two ways to exit your home
- Secure heavy furniture and objects that might fall
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container
- Have a family communication plan
Earthquake Today in Dhaka: How to Stay Informed
Stay updated with reliable sources:
- Bangladesh Meteorological Department – Official earthquake updates and monitoring
- Local news outlets – Real-time reports and safety information
- USGS (US Geological Survey) – International earthquake data
- Emergency hotlines – Keep contact numbers for fire, police, and medical services
Read More: Emerging Connectivity in Bangladesh: 5G, Satellites, and the New Connectivity Tools
Real Stories: What Dhaka Residents Experienced
One Dhaka resident, Shadman Sakif Islam, shared his experience with international media: “I noticed small ripples in my coffee that were followed by a massive shake that started without any warning. My chair and table started shaking wildly, and I was stuck there 10-15 seconds without processing what was going on.”
This firsthand account captures the shock and fear many residents felt. The earthquake didn’t give people time to prepare mentally—it just happened.
The Bigger Picture: Earthquake Preparedness in Bangladesh
This recent earthquake has highlighted a critical gap in Bangladesh’s disaster preparedness. The country sits in a seismically vulnerable zone but hasn’t experienced a major earthquake in years, leading to potential complacency.
However, with recent activity ramping up, the government and city authorities are taking steps seriously. Engineers are inspecting buildings. Officials are issuing warnings about potential foreshocks. Community awareness is increasing.
The key message? Don’t panic, but do prepare. Earthquakes are unpredictable, but your response can be planned and practiced.
FAQs About Earthquakes in Dhaka
1. When was the last earthquake in Dhaka before November 2025?
The most recent significant earthquake before November 21, 2025, was a 5.8 magnitude quake near Sylhet in 2023. Dhaka hasn’t experienced a major quake this close to the city in recent memory, making this earthquake historically significant and concerning for experts monitoring seismic patterns.
2. Is it safe to stay in Dhaka after the earthquake today?
While the earthquake was serious, staying in Dhaka is safe if you take precautions. Get your building inspected by engineers, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed about aftershocks. Most buildings in Dhaka are designed to withstand moderate earthquakes.
3. How long will aftershocks continue in Dhaka?
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, aftershocks typically continue for one to two weeks following a major earthquake. However, the pattern and intensity vary. Continue monitoring official updates and maintain earthquake preparedness during this period.
4. What should I do if I’m in my car during an earthquake in Dhaka?
If you’re driving when an earthquake hits, safely pull over away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle with seatbelt fastened. Wait for the shaking to stop before proceeding. Listen to local radio for updates about road conditions.
5. Does Bangladesh have earthquake early warning systems?
Bangladesh has the Earthquake Monitoring Center and Observation Research Center, but an advanced early warning system isn’t currently in place nationwide. Stay updated through the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s alerts and updates. Having a personal emergency plan is your best defense right now.
Take Action Today: Your Safety Matters
The earthquake in Dhaka has shaken more than just buildings—it’s shaken people’s sense of security. But knowledge is power, and preparation brings peace of mind.
Here’s what we recommend you do right now:
✓ Check your home for damage and structural concerns
✓ Download the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s app for real-time updates
✓ Prepare an emergency kit for your family
✓ Share this information with friends and family in Dhaka
✓ Know your building’s evacuation routes
Earthquakes are inevitable in Dhaka’s geological context. But panic and ignorance aren’t. By staying informed, preparing ahead, and following safety guidelines, you’re taking control of your family’s security.
The next time tremors hit Dhaka, you’ll be ready. That’s the difference between fear and preparedness.
