Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 22nd November 2025, 8:02 AM
An earthquake struck various parts of Bangladesh, including the capital, Dhaka, at 10:38:26 AM on November 21st. Measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale, the earthquake caused widespread panic and resulted in at least 10 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries.
In the wake of the quake, people across the country rushed to evacuate buildings, with many residents fleeing their homes in a state of panic. Particularly, many women found themselves unprepared to leave their homes, as they had not yet put on their headscarves or other clothing in the rush to safety.
In the hours following the quake, actress Rukaiya Jahan Chomok took to social media to post a controversial message, stating, “A headscarf is more important than a woman’s life.” This statement sparked an immediate online debate, with many users agreeing with her sentiment, while others argued that saving one’s life should always be the priority in such situations.
Some netizens pointed out that the earthquake could serve as an important reminder for women, particularly those who might find themselves alone at home and unprepared, to always prioritise safety over appearance. While some disagreed with Chomok’s tone, most praised her for drawing attention to the need for greater awareness of women’s vulnerability during emergencies.
Chomok followed up her post with a series of awareness-raising messages, urging the public to remain calm and ensure their safety in future emergencies. Her social media presence has received mixed reactions, with some praising her efforts to educate the public, while others questioned the relevance of focusing on appearance at a time of crisis.
Comments