A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, with its epicenter located in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. The tremor caused structural damage to at least 14 buildings across various areas of Dhaka, including Malibagh, Armanitola, Banani, Kalabagan, Bashundhara, and near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to a statement signed by Dhaka’s Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md. Salah Uddin Al Wadud, several other buildings in Rampura, Kalabagan, and Uttara developed cracks or tilted due to the quake. The National Meteorological Department classified it as a moderate earthquake. Although initial reports suggested damage at the Chief Adviser’s Office, a Fire Service inspection later confirmed no significant harm. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and monitoring the structural safety of affected buildings to prevent further risks.

The Nurses Association of Bangladesh (NAB) has alleged that a group of pro-Awami League nurses is attempting to create instability in the country by organizing a so-called 'nurses’ grand conference' in front of the National Press Club on November 22. At a press conference held on November 21, NAB President Jahanara Siddiqui claimed that despite discussions about merging the Directorate of Nursing, no official order has been issued yet. She accused certain nurse leaders of exploiting the situation for personal gain, collecting large sums of money from ordinary nurses under the pretext of transfers, promotions, and legal assistance. Siddiqui further stated that these groups previously damaged the profession’s image through disruptive protests. NAB reiterated its demand for the appointment of senior, qualified, and experienced nurses to all positions within the Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery, criticizing the current practice of appointing administrative cadre officials to leadership roles since 2016, which they claim has led to widespread harassment of nurses.

Ali Ahmad Mabrur, son of former Social Welfare Minister and Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, shared an emotional Facebook post marking his father’s death anniversary. In his post, Mabrur reflected on the immense psychological strain and family distress during Mujahid’s trial and execution. He recalled being shocked upon learning of the possible death sentence and described the unbearable conditions his father faced in prison. Mabrur wrote about their first meeting after the verdict, calling it one of his life’s most painful moments. He praised his father’s steadfastness and optimism even in confinement, noting that Mujahid encouraged his family to remain strong. Ten years after the execution, Mabrur said his father’s sacrifice strengthened Islamic movements in Bangladesh and prayed for divine acceptance of his father’s martyrdom. Recently, Mabrur also called for the Awami League to be declared a terrorist organization, accusing it of violent political activities across the country.

A brief earthquake struck Gazipur, Bangladesh, on Friday morning, triggering widespread panic among residents and garment workers. The tremor, lasting only a few seconds, caused people to rush out of buildings, leading to injuries for more than 600 workers, mostly from garment factories in Chandna Chowrasta, Tongi, and Sreepur. In Tongi, a six-story building tilted dangerously, and several others developed cracks. At least 56 injured individuals were admitted to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, while dozens more received treatment at local clinics. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as furniture shook and items fell from shelves. Authorities reported no major structural collapses but confirmed minor damage and injuries caused by stampedes. The Fire Service stated that no significant casualties or large-scale destruction had been reported so far. The incident highlights the vulnerability of densely populated industrial areas during seismic events, particularly where safety protocols are limited.

The United Nations and the United States have expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the victims of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Dhaka and surrounding districts on Friday morning. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the quake occurred at 10:38 a.m., with its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, about 13 kilometers east of the Agargaon weather office in Dhaka. The U.S. Geological Survey later reported the epicenter to be 14 kilometers west-southwest of Narsingdi at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries. The UN office in Bangladesh stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, while the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a separate message offering sympathy to those affected. Emergency services and local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and providing assistance to the injured and displaced residents.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, causing widespread panic and damage across Dhaka and several nearby districts. According to the Directorate General of Health Services, at least 10 people have been confirmed dead and more than 600 injured, with the number of casualties expected to rise as data from private hospitals are still being collected. The quake’s epicenter was located in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. Fatalities were reported in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Narsingdi, where incidents of collapsing walls, falling railings, and panic-induced health emergencies occurred. In Old Dhaka, three pedestrians were killed by a falling railing, while other deaths were reported from construction sites and residential collapses. Authorities have provided emergency support to affected families, and hospitals remain on high alert to treat the injured.

In a public gathering at Sutiyakathi Secondary School field in Nesarabad, Pirojpur-2 constituency, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shamim Saeedi alleged that the previous Hasina-led government came to power by buying votes instead of ensuring citizens’ voting rights. He warned that repeating such an election process could lead to the creation of more 'Begum Para' settlements abroad. Saeedi emphasized his party’s goal of building a corruption-free and unemployment-free Bangladesh, urging unity among all religious communities. Addressing Hindu voters, he said that both Hindus and Muslims sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of 1971 and in the 2024 movement, stressing equality and safety for all religious sites. He also recalled the killing of Biswajit near Jagannath University and claimed that no Jamaat MP or minister had ever faced corruption allegations. Jamaat leader Masud Saeedi urged supporters to actively participate in voting for the party’s symbol, the scale.

The Government of Bangladesh has promoted 1,870 lecturers from the BCS General Education Cadre to the rank of Assistant Professor. The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division issued an official notification on Thursday, which became public on Friday. According to the notice, the promoted officers will be placed in situ at their respective colleges or offices under the 2015 National Pay Scale, sixth grade (Tk 35,500–67,010). Until further instructions are issued, the newly promoted Assistant Professors will serve as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education while continuing their previous responsibilities where applicable. The Directorate has instructed that all release and joining procedures be completed online. The promoted officers will receive their salaries and allowances according to the rates applicable to their respective workplaces rather than the central office in Dhaka.

A multi-storey building owned by former Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) mayor M Monzur Alam tilted further following an earthquake that struck Bangladesh on Friday morning. The tremor, which occurred at 10:38 a.m., caused panic across Chattogram as residents rushed outdoors. Although the city experienced no casualties, the Mansurabad-based building under Double Mooring Police Station showed increased tilting. Fire Service officials confirmed that the structure had already been leaning prior to the quake and that their team inspected the site. The duration of the quake was about 27 seconds. Additionally, one operational unit of the Banshkhali Power Plant shut down after the quake, disrupting electricity supply in some areas. Authorities have assured that the situation remains under control and an investigation will be conducted to assess the building’s safety. Previous major earthquakes in Chattogram, including in 1997 and 2016, had caused structural damage to several buildings.

Hundreds of multistory buildings in Rajshahi have come under renewed scrutiny after a recent earthquake exposed serious safety concerns. Many structures were reportedly built without adhering to Bangladesh’s building code, lacking proper fire safety systems and constructed too close to one another. The Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) faces criticism for alleged corruption and negligence in approving building designs, with claims that political influence enabled unauthorized projects. Following the quake, Sher-e-Bangla Fazlul Haque Hall at Rajshahi University developed major cracks, prompting student protests demanding relocation and repairs. Authorities have begun inspections to verify fire exits and soil tests for high-rise buildings, while experts warn of potential disasters similar to the Rana Plaza collapse if enforcement remains weak. Civic groups are urging strict legal action and accountability to prevent future tragedies in the earthquake-prone region.

The National Revolutionary Council (NRC) has called for immediate structural reforms in Bangladesh to prevent the country from turning into a mass grave in the event of a major earthquake. In a statement issued on Friday, NRC convener Khomeni Ihsan expressed deep sorrow over casualties from the recent quake and warned that unplanned urbanization and weak enforcement of building codes have left cities dangerously exposed. He emphasized that Bangladesh lies in a high-risk seismic zone and that unregulated high-rise construction, often facilitated by corruption, has turned major cities into concrete jungles. Ihsan urged the government to act swiftly, citing the nation’s poor disaster response capacity as seen in past tragedies. The NRC proposed five key measures, including identifying and reinforcing vulnerable buildings, enforcing the National Building Code with zero tolerance, upgrading fire and civil defense technology, ensuring open spaces for post-quake shelters, and introducing automatic gas and power shutdown systems to prevent fires.

A protest rally and torch procession were held in Dhaka demanding the cancellation of lease agreements granting control of Chattogram’s Laldiar Char Terminal for 33 years and Keraniganj’s Pangaon Container Terminal for 22 years to a Denmark-based company. The demonstration, organized by the Port Protection and Corridor Resistance Movement, took place on Friday in front of the National Press Club. Speakers, including leaders from left-leaning political and student organizations, accused the interim government of exceeding its authority and violating High Court directives by proceeding with the lease. They also urged the withdrawal of decisions to lease Chattogram’s New Mooring and Bay Terminals. Former CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince alleged that the move served foreign interests at the expense of national sovereignty. The protesters warned of tougher actions, including strikes and blockades, if the government fails to cancel the agreements. The event concluded with a torchlight procession through central Dhaka.

At a public rally organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Jhikargacha, DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem criticized the current political culture in Bangladesh, accusing politicians of using politics for personal gain and neglecting ordinary citizens once in power. He called for a new political model centered on equality, justice, and Islamic values. Kayem emphasized the need for reform in the healthcare system and the elimination of hospital syndicates. Referring to the 'July Revolution,' he said it had given rise to a new generation seeking a fair Bangladesh. He urged young people to protect polling centers during elections and warned against any attempts to manipulate the process. The event was attended by Jamaat-backed parliamentary candidates and local leaders, including Dr. Mosle Uddin Farid, who was the chief guest.

BNP’s Dhaka divisional organizing secretary and Gazipur-1 nomination aspirant Kazi Chayedul Alam Babul claimed that both domestic and foreign conspiracies are being orchestrated from Delhi to derail Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. Speaking at a street rally in Gazipur after distributing leaflets promoting BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda, Babul said the people of Bangladesh are ready to vote and will strongly resist any attempt to obstruct the polls. He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League of depriving citizens of voting rights for the past 16–17 years and of persecuting opposition leaders and Islamic scholars. Babul expressed confidence that a free, fair, and neutral election in 2026 would bring BNP to power with a landslide victory. He also reiterated his long-standing dedication to the party and expressed hope of receiving the party’s nomination. Several local BNP and affiliate leaders were present at the event.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other convicts sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity during the July uprising have the legal right to appeal the verdict. Speaking in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa on Friday, he emphasized that the trial was conducted based on evidence and due process. Asaduzzaman noted that while the defense may question the fairness of the proceedings, the judicial system provides an avenue for appeal. He also dismissed comments made by the home affairs adviser regarding the verdict, saying they stemmed from a lack of legal understanding. The Attorney General added that the government is proceeding with the implementation of the verdict according to established legal mechanisms and that the evidence presented in the case would convince any court globally of the defendants’ guilt.