At least five people, including a father and his son, were killed and more than a hundred injured after an earthquake struck Narsingdi, Bangladesh, on Friday morning. The tremor, felt across the country at 10:38 a.m., caused widespread panic as residents rushed to safety. In Gabtoli, a six-story under-construction building’s wall collapsed onto a one-story house, killing Delwar Hossain and his son Omar Faruk. In Palash upazila, an elderly woman named Kajom Ali died when a mud wall fell on her, while another man, Nasir Uddin, suffered a fatal heart attack from shock. A man named Forkan died after falling from a tree during the quake. Several buildings, including a seven-story shopping mall in Ghorashal, developed cracks, and parts of walls collapsed, causing further damage. Police and local authorities have visited affected areas, confirming casualties and ensuring safety measures for residents.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on members of Bangladesh’s armed forces to perform their duties with professionalism and efficiency to ensure a smooth and festive national election. Speaking at a reception marking Armed Forces Day 2025 at Senakunja on Friday, November 21, Yunus emphasized that the upcoming national election would be a significant chapter in the country’s democratic transition. He paid tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the Liberation War, as well as those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with friendly nations while stressing the need for constant readiness to defend national sovereignty against external aggression. He also highlighted ongoing modernization efforts in the army, navy, and air force, including advanced training and the integration of modern technologies to align with global standards.

BNP central leader and former minister Advocate Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has said that Bangladesh will be built on the foundation of communal harmony following the 31-point plan announced by BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. Speaking after visiting a two-day Leela Kirtan event at Radha Gobinda Temple in Natore Sadar on Friday, Dulu emphasized that the BNP believes in harmony among all religions and rejects any form of persecution based on faith. He noted that the 31-point plan envisions a Bangladesh free from religious discrimination, where everyone can practice their faith freely under the principle 'religion is personal, Bangladesh belongs to all.' The event was presided over by Bipul Kumar Ghosh, president of the temple committee, and attended by several local BNP leaders including Rahim Newaz, Saiful Islam Aftab, and former Natore mayor Kazi Shah Alam.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar stated that the nation will reject those who have ruled the country over the past 54 years in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a student rally in Dumuria, Khulna, he accused successive governments of failing to meet public expectations in governance, economy, justice, agriculture, education, and culture. Parwar criticized corruption, extortion, and oppression under previous administrations and claimed that such practices continue even after the political change on August 5. He emphasized Jamaat’s non-involvement in these activities and called for a just and corruption-free state. Addressing the Hindu community, he urged them not to fear and to exercise their voting rights freely. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by expatriate workers and promised administrative reforms and voting rights for them if his party comes to power. Several local and national Jamaat leaders attended the event.

A one-year-old girl named Fatema was killed when a wall collapsed during an earthquake in Rupganj, Narayanganj, on Friday morning. Her mother, Kulsum Begum, and neighbor Jesmin Begum were seriously injured in the incident. Fatema’s father, Abdul Haque, could not attend his daughter’s burial as he was accompanying his injured wife from hospital to hospital in search of proper treatment. Despite visiting three hospitals, including US-Bangla Medical College, Dhaka Medical College, and Dhaka National Hospital, Kulsum was denied admission due to a lack of available beds. The family, struggling financially, expressed frustration over the lack of medical support for the poor. They were later advised to transfer Kulsum to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Agargaon for further treatment. The earthquake struck at around 10:38 a.m., causing the wall to collapse on the victims while they were walking along the road.

The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry of Bangladesh has opened a control room to coordinate assessment and response efforts following strong earthquakes felt across the country on Friday morning. Advisor Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, directed officials to immediately evaluate the extent of damage in affected areas. The ministry stated that all relevant departments have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and report findings promptly for necessary action. Citizens have been urged to stay alert, avoid rumors, and contact the control room at 0258811651 for assistance. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety. According to reports, at least six people have died and many others were injured due to the tremors felt in Dhaka and other regions.

The Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT) has issued new information regarding a potential cyclone forming over the southeast Andaman Sea and adjoining areas. In a Facebook post on Friday, November 21, BWOT stated that a circulation has developed in the region and may intensify into a low-pressure system within the next 24 to 48 hours. The system could further strengthen into a cyclone, though it is still uncertain whether it will make landfall in Bangladesh. BWOT noted that a clearer forecast on the cyclone’s potential path will be available in three to four days. However, the system’s influence may bring rainfall to various parts of Bangladesh toward the end of the month. In a separate update, BWOT mentioned that despite the onset of cooler weather, there is little chance of a strong cold wave in November. Temperatures are expected to fluctuate, with the country experiencing alternating warm and cool conditions until a full cold wave arrives.

Bangladesh advanced to the final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup after defeating India in a dramatic Super Over in Doha. Batting first, Bangladesh scored 194 runs, led by Sohan’s 65 off 46 balls, despite several fielding and catching errors. India matched the total, forcing a Super Over after a tense final over where Bangladesh missed a run-out chance that could have sealed victory earlier. In the Super Over, Ripon Mondol’s exceptional bowling dismissed two Indian batters in consecutive deliveries, leaving Bangladesh with just one run to win. Although Yasir Ali Rabbi was caught attempting a six, a wide ball from Indian spinner Suyash Sharma handed Bangladesh the victory. Bangladesh ‘A’ will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan ‘A’ and Sri Lanka ‘A’ on November 23 in the final.

Bangladesh observed Armed Forces Day on November 21 with due honor and enthusiasm at Senakunja in Dhaka. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus exchanged greetings with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman during the event. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended the ceremony after a year’s absence, sitting beside the Chief Adviser during the reception. She was received by the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force upon arrival. Several senior political figures, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and others from various parties such as Jatiya Nagarik Party, Nagorik Oikya, Revolutionary Workers Party, BJP, and JSD, were also present. The gathering reflected a moment of political civility amid Bangladesh’s tense political climate.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia during an Armed Forces Day event held at Senakunja in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. The meeting was described as a courtesy exchange, according to the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Khaleda Zia arrived at Senakunja around 4:30 p.m. accompanied by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior party leaders, and family members, following medical advice. During the brief interaction, Yunus inquired about Khaleda Zia’s health and wished her recovery, while Khaleda expressed gratitude and asked about the health of Yunus’s wife, Afrozi Yunus. The event marked a rare public appearance for Khaleda Zia, who has been in fragile health, and reflected a moment of cordial exchange among key political figures amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

Interim government health adviser Nurjahan Begum stated that most injuries from the recent 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Dhaka were caused by panic rather than the tremor itself. During a visit to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday, she explained that many victims were hurt while jumping or colliding in fear. Among the injured are several university students, one of whom is in critical condition. Two patients arrived from Narsingdi, including a child who died and whose father remains in intensive care. Three deaths were reported at Mitford Hospital, including a medical student. Nurjahan Begum emphasized that despite the moderate strength of the quake, the number of injuries was unexpectedly high due to panic-driven reactions. She assured that all public hospitals have been instructed to ensure proper treatment for the injured and that no lapses in medical care will occur.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued a statement explaining the death of a detainee, Moktar, who was in the custody of the Detective Branch (DB) in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Golam Kibria in Pallabi. According to the DMP, Kibria was shot dead by masked assailants on Monday, prompting his wife to file a murder case. The case was transferred to the DB, which arrested several suspects, including Moktar. During a raid based on information from the detainees, Moktar allegedly tried to flee and was caught with the help of locals, who assaulted him. Later, he was taken to the DB office, fell ill, and was treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being returned to custody. The next morning, police found him unresponsive and declared dead at the hospital. The DMP has formed a three-member committee led by Additional Commissioner Md. Sarwar to investigate the incident.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a warning about the possibility of a major earthquake following a 5.7 magnitude tremor that struck the country on Friday morning. The quake, originating in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, was felt across Dhaka and several districts, causing the deaths of seven people and injuring more than fifty. Rubaiyat Kabir, acting officer of the Seismic Observation Center, described it as the strongest earthquake in recent decades near Dhaka. He cautioned that Bangladesh lies in a seismically active zone, making future large quakes possible though their timing cannot be predicted. Seismologist Humayun Akhter recalled previous significant quakes, including one in 2003 near Rangamati and an 8.0 magnitude event in 1918. He criticized the government for inadequate preparedness and urged regular earthquake drills, noting that despite large budgets for disaster response, corruption and inaction persist.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed profound grief and sympathy over the casualties and destruction caused by a recent earthquake that struck several districts in Bangladesh. In a condolence message issued on Friday, November 21, he said that at least six people were killed and more than two hundred injured as buildings collapsed in Dhaka and other regions. Rahman prayed for the victims and their families, urging the government to strengthen disaster preparedness and management to reduce future losses. He emphasized that Bangladeshis have always shown resilience in the face of natural disasters and expressed confidence that the nation would recover from this tragedy. Rahman also assured that the BNP stands beside the affected people and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and eternal peace for the deceased.

A fire broke out at a plastic warehouse in Sonargaon’s Pirojpur area of Narayanganj after an earthquake was felt on Friday morning. The blaze, which occurred near the Pirojpur Union Parishad, destroyed stored goods before being brought under control after an hour-long effort by the Gazaria Fire Service. The tremor also caused structural damage in several parts of Sonargaon, including cracks in houses and collapsed walls in Ichhapara village. In Kabirganj, a 32-year-old man named Rakesh Roy was seriously injured when a wall fell on him and was later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. In another incident, a 17-year-old madrasa student, Maruf Hossain, was injured after jumping from a second floor in panic. Additionally, eight factory workers were hurt while evacuating an industrial facility in Kanchpur. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake and subsequent fire.