Rising seismic activity across Bangladesh in February has heightened public concern, prompting authorities to issue warnings regarding the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Between 1 and 27 February, a total of ten minor to moderate tremors were recorded nationwide. On 27 February alone, two separate tremors were registered, bringing the month’s total to eleven.
The latest tremor occurred on 27 February at 13:52:29 local time, with its epicentre in the Ashashuni area of Satkhira. The quake was reportedly felt as far away as Dhaka and extended eastward toward Chittagong. Farzana Sultana, a meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, confirmed that the earthquake measured 5.4 on the Richter scale, categorising it as a moderate tremor.
February Earthquake Summary
| Date | Location | Magnitude (Richter Scale) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb | Sylhet | 3.0 | Minor tremor |
| 3 Feb | Kalaroa, Satkhira | 4.1 | Multiple tremors |
| 3 Feb | Myanmar | 5.9 | Felt in Bangladesh |
| 3 Feb | Myanmar | 5.2 | Felt in Bangladesh |
| 9 Feb | Sylhet | 3.2 | Minor tremor |
| 10 Feb | Sylhet | 3.5 | Minor tremor |
| 19 Feb | Chatak, Sunamganj | 4.1 | Moderate tremor |
| 25 Feb | Myanmar | 5.1 | Felt at night |
| 26 Feb | Sikkim, India | 3.7 | Felt in Bangladesh |
| 27 Feb | Ashashuni, Satkhira | 5.4 | Latest tremor |
Bangladesh has a history of significant seismic events. In November last year, a series of earthquakes caused widespread alarm. On 21 November, a 5.7-magnitude tremor in Madhabdihi, Narsingdi, resulted in 10 deaths and more than 600 injuries. Three additional tremors were recorded the following day.
Experts caution that Bangladesh’s location at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it highly susceptible to major earthquakes. Professor Zillur Rahman of the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience at the University of Dhaka noted:
“While Satkhira is relatively low-risk, northern and eastern regions face high seismic hazards. Dhaka, although classified as medium-risk, is densely populated and poorly regulated, meaning even a moderate quake could cause severe damage.”
He further stressed the importance of mapping small and previously unidentified fault lines. Urban planners have identified Dhaka and Chittagong as the most vulnerable cities.
Vulnerable Buildings and Urban Areas
| City | Total Buildings | Potentially Destroyed | Partially Damaged | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | 2,146,000 | 72,000 | 135,000 | At risk in magnitude 7 earthquake |
| Chittagong | 382,111 | 26,700–30,500 | — | 70–80% buildings at risk |
These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen disaster management systems and building regulations. Appropriate urban planning, reinforced construction practices, and emergency preparedness measures can significantly reduce both human casualties and infrastructural damage during future seismic events.
