Bangladesh Identifies High-Risk Earthquake Zones

Amid a series of tremors felt across the country this February, concerns over Bangladesh’s seismic vulnerability have resurfaced. Within the first 27 days of the month, ten mild to moderate earthquakes were recorded nationwide. Accounting for two separate tremors on 27 February, the total rises to eleven.

The latest earthquake occurred at 1:52:29 pm on 27 February, with its epicentre in the Ashashuni area of Satkhira. The tremor was perceptible as far as Dhaka and extended eastwards to Chittagong. Farzana Sultana, a meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, reported that the earthquake measured 5.4 on the Richter scale, categorising it as moderate in strength.

February Earthquake Summary

This is not the first time Bangladesh has faced seismic anxiety. In November of last year, repeated earthquakes sparked nationwide fear. On 21 November, a 5.7-magnitude tremor struck Madhabdihi in Narsingdi, resulting in ten fatalities and over 600 injuries. Three further quakes were recorded the following day.

Experts warn that Bangladesh’s position at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it inherently susceptible to major earthquakes. Dr Zillur Rahman, Professor of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience at the University of Dhaka, explained:

“While Satkhira is comparatively less vulnerable, northern and eastern regions face high risk. Dhaka, despite being categorised as moderately vulnerable, could experience severe damage even from a medium-intensity earthquake due to dense population and unplanned urban growth.”

He further emphasised the need to map smaller, unidentified fault lines within the country. Urban planners have identified Dhaka and Chittagong as the most at-risk cities. According to available data, approximately 2.146 million buildings in Dhaka are at risk. Joint surveys by CDMP and JICA indicate that a magnitude 7 earthquake could collapse at least 72,000 buildings and partially damage another 135,000. In Chittagong, 70–80% of 382,111 buildings are considered vulnerable, according to CIDA.

These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen disaster management systems and adopt stringent building regulations, particularly in high-risk urban zones. Proactive measures in construction and urban planning could significantly reduce potential casualties and infrastructure losses.