A series of recurring earthquakes across the country has intensified unease among residents of the capital. Within a short span, multiple tremors of varying magnitude have been recorded, prompting concern among both citizens and seismic experts. The latest quake struck at 6:14:44am on Thursday (4 December), registering a magnitude of 4.1. Many people awoke abruptly as buildings trembled lightly across several districts, including Dhaka.
Reports from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) and the European–Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) indicate that the epicentre was located approximately 33 kilometres north–northeast of Tongi in Gazipur and just 3 kilometres north of Narsingdi. Despite its relatively modest magnitude, the shallow depth of 30 kilometres resulted in noticeable shaking over a wider region.
Rubaiyyat Kabir, an official at the Meteorological Department’s seismic centre, confirmed that the earthquake originated in Shibpur, Narsingdi. He stated, “Even small tremors must be monitored closely because repeated seismic activity may indicate shifts in tectonic pressure.”
The previous tremor had struck earlier on Monday (1 December) at 12:55am, felt in Dhaka, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram. According to the USGS, that quake originated in Myanmar’s Minjin area at a depth of 106.8 kilometres, with a magnitude of 4.9. The Meteorological Department classified it as a light tremor and noted that it occurred 431 kilometres from Dhaka.
Another earthquake measuring 4.2 hit the Bay of Bengal at 7:56am on 2 December.
Since the powerful 5.7 magnitude quake centred in Narsingdi on 21 November, fear has lingered among the population. That tremor affected nearly 140 million people nationwide, causing at least 10 deaths, hundreds of injuries, structural cracks in numerous buildings and reports of several buildings tilting in Dhaka. Two additional tremors struck Dhaka and surrounding areas on 22 November, one in the morning and another in the evening.
Experts note that these tremors may not be directly connected. However, an increase in frequency can pose significant risks, especially for older buildings, poorly constructed structures and areas with existing vulnerabilities.
A summary of recent seismic events is provided below.
Table: Recent Earthquakes
| Date | Time | Magnitude | Epicentre | Depth | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 December | 6:14:44am | 4.1 | Shibpur–Tongi region | 30 km | Mild tremor |
| 1 December | 12:55am | 4.9 | Minjin, Myanmar | 106.8 km | Felt in Dhaka |
| 2 December | 7:56am | 4.2 | Bay of Bengal | — | Light tremor |
| 21 November | Morning | 5.7 | Narsingdi | — | Severe quake |
AJ