By: Lydia Liu

Public Relations Manager 

A recent earthquake in Bangladesh has renewed attention to the country’s vulnerability to seismic disasters. On Nov. 21, 2025, a magnitude 5.5 quake struck near Narsingdi, a city east of Dhaka. The earthquake hit at a shallow depth of about ten kilometers and produced vigorous shaking across central Bangladesh for roughly 26 seconds. According to data summarized in Reuters, at least ten people were killed, and more than six hundred were injured. Damage included cracked walls, collapsed railings, and weakened foundations, especially in older buildings.

Bangladesh’s position at the junction of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma Plates makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes because constant pressure between these plates creates frequent seismic activity. This danger increases because much of the country sits on soft delta soil formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers. Research published through ResearchGate highlights the ongoing tectonic stress, and scientists at the American Museum of Natural History explain that these loose sediments can amplify shaking and sometimes liquefy during strong quakes, which makes severe structural damage far more likely.

Several major fault lines run directly under or near populated regions. These include the Madhupur Fault, the Dauki Fault, and the Sylhet–Assam fault system, which the Business Standard report documents. Historical records show that the region has experienced powerful earthquakes in the past, including an event in 1762 that may have reached magnitude 8.5-8.8, according to research summarized on Reuters.

Modern growth has only intensified Bangladesh’s earthquake risk. With a population exceeding 170 million and cities packed with rapidly constructed buildings, the country faces significant structural vulnerability. A recent seismic risk assessment from the Global Earthquake Model Foundation found that many structures are non-engineered or were built without proper earthquake-resistant design. Even reinforced concrete buildings often lack adequate seismic reinforcement. Adding to these concerns, the international disaster platform ThinkHazard rates Bangladesh as having a very high earthquake hazard level and cautions that a major quake could trigger widespread structural collapse.

Local experts quoted in the Daily Star have called for stronger building code enforcement, better retrofitting programs, and public education about earthquake readiness. They argue that preparedness is the single strongest factor in reducing casualties in future events.

For those reading about this from across the globe, the Bangladesh earthquake is an example of interactions between fast urban growth, geology, and infrastructure, prevalent occurrences in many developing countries. When cities expand on unstable ground without adequate safety planning, a natural event can quickly become a major disaster. Understanding these risks and how communities prepare for them helps explain why a moderate earthquake can have such serious consequences in places like Bangladesh.

(Sources: Daily Star, Stanford, Think Hazard, Research Gate, Reuters)