Buildings Tilt Across Dhaka, Panic Spreads

Early on the holiday morning, homes trembled with strong shakes, spreading panic across Dhaka and the rest of the country. On Friday (21 November) at 10:38 am, an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale was recorded. Following the quake, reports emerged of some buildings collapsing and cracks appearing in others in the capital.

During the earthquake, people rushed out of their homes in fear. Many items fell from shelves and tables due to the tremors. After the quake, numerous residents contacted the fire service control room to report the situation.

In Badda Link Road, a multi-storey building tilted against a neighbouring building, with parts of its lift shaft collapsing. It is not yet known whether anyone was injured. Several buildings in North Badda also developed cracks.

In Hatirjheel, a multi-storey building tilted against an adjacent building. In Madhubagh, another building tilted, though no casualties were reported.

At the National Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (NITOR) in Agargaon, cracks appeared where two walls of a building meet. Another building near Mirpur-10 has also tilted, but its residents remain unharmed.

In Nikunja, a building tilted, but there are no reports of major accidents or casualties. Multiple cracks were seen on its walls. In Khilgaon’s Sipahibag, a building has tilted, and in Shewrapara, another building has also leaned, though casualty details are not yet confirmed.

The tremor affected educational institutions as well. Plaster fell in several places at Dhaka University, including Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, Sir A F Rahman Hall, Mokarram Building, and Sheikh Fazlul Hall.

In Banshal, a building railing collapsed during the quake, killing three pedestrians. Banshal Police Station officer-in-charge Rafiqul Islam reported that a railing fell from a five-storey building on K P Ghosh Street, resulting in three deaths.

Fire Service duty officer Khaleda Yasmin said that many calls have been received after the quake. Most people reported building tilts, cracks, or collapses. Each call is being treated with priority. Fire service units have been dispatched to all affected areas, and teams are inspecting the sites.

Regarding the tilting of the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon, Khaleda Yasmin stated that they have been informed and a team has been sent.

Khaborwala/TSN