Bangladesh has repeatedly experienced mild-to-moderate earthquakes in recent months. This serves as a warning that the country may be awaiting a devastating, high-magnitude earthquake, as smaller tremors often occur before a major seismic event. This is precisely what has been happening across the country.
The latest two tremors were felt in several districts, including Dhaka, on Tuesday night. Both originated in Myanmar and measured 5.9 and 5.2 on the Richter scale, respectively. According to sources at the Earthquake Observation Centre of the Meteorological Department, these earthquakes were felt in many parts of the country.
Earlier, in late 2025, a series of earthquakes occurred in Bangladesh. In early December, a 4.9-magnitude tremor was felt in the country's southeastern port city of Chattogram. This was preceded by a strong 5.7-magnitude quake on November 21 that killed at least 10 people.
Statistical data show that from early 2024 to the present, Bangladesh has experienced more than 70 mild-to-moderate earthquakes. Historically, the region has endured devastating quakes, with five major events between 1869 and 1930 measuring above magnitude 7.0. This suggests that the country may now be on the cusp of a devastating jolt, as major earthquakes often occur after long intervals followed by a series of smaller tremors.
Experts have already warned that Bangladesh has become an earthquake-prone country, with Dhaka ranked among the 20 most vulnerable cities globally. This vulnerability stems from the country's position along the collision zone of tectonic plates and the presence of several active fault lines, placing it at significant seismic risk. This is why Bangladesh experiences earthquakes frequently.
The question now is what catastrophe could unfold in our urban areas if an earthquake of around magnitude 9 strikes the country. Unplanned urbanisation in Dhaka and other major cities over the past few decades has placed densely populated regions in danger zones. A chaotic, congested concrete jungle has emerged, where many buildings are not earthquake-resistant.
Despite such potential destruction, we remain largely unscathed and unprepared. Recently, however, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) called for pre-emptive measures after a survey predicted that nearly three lakh buildings could collapse in a 7-magnitude earthquake. The preliminary death toll has been estimated at a minimum of two lakh, alongside massive property damage.
Meanwhile, the port city of Chattogram is also highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Experts warn that at least 70 percent of the city's multi-storey buildings could collapse if a major earthquake of magnitude 8 or above strikes. Additionally, structures in other major cities such as Sylhet, Barishal, Comilla and Khulna are also at risk in the event of a major earthquake.
Therefore, we have little time to waste in bracing for the possible apocalyptic destruction a major earthquake could bring. It is imperative to identify all structures vulnerable to strong tremors and demolish them so that rescue operations can be conducted swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes.
