As an earthquake-prone country, Bangladesh has faced seismic risk for a long time. Every year, multiple earthquakes occur in Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries, with tremors felt across different parts of the country, including Dhaka. However, in recent times, the number of earthquakes originating within Bangladesh itself has increased significantly.
The magnitude 4 earthquake felt in the country on Sunday, 21 September, was experienced not only in Sylhet but also in surrounding areas. Although there were no casualties, residents of Sylhet were left terrified by the event. Nevertheless, experts believe these light and minor tremors may serve as indicators of a major earthquake to come.
According to data from the Earthquake Monitoring Centre of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, 126 earthquakes were felt in the country between January 2024 and September 2025. Of these, 18 originated within Bangladesh. In 2024 alone, 12 earthquakes occurred. This year, up to 21 September 2025, six earthquakes have taken place within the country.
In the past 12 months, from September 2024 to 21 September 2025, 10 earthquakes have occurred.
The data further reveals that the highest number of domestically originating earthquakes, eight in total, were recorded in Sylhet. Additionally, two occurred in Dinajpur, two in Rangpur, one in Pabna, one in Comilla, one in Shariatpur, one in Tangail, one in Rangamati and one in Chuadanga. The strongest among these was in Jajira Upazila of Shariatpur district. This earthquake, which occurred 48 km from Dhaka on 17 October 2024, measured 4.1 on the Richter scale.
Rubaiyat Kabir, Officer-in-Charge of the Earthquake Monitoring Centre, told Jago News that the northern and north-eastern regions of Bangladesh are more susceptible to earthquakes. The primary reason for this, he explained, is that the region lies at the junction of two tectonic plates, with one plate subducted beneath the other. As a result, immense pressure builds within the Earth’s crust. Furthermore, this area contains a large number of geotechnical faults or fault lines. Some of these are major and active, making them more likely to trigger earthquakes. Historically, several significant earthquakes have occurred in this region, confirming its status as seismically vulnerable.
Stating that an earthquake can strike Bangladesh at any moment, he said: “Since we are located in an earthquake-prone zone, a major earthquake could occur here at any time. We cannot predict exactly when it will happen. However, the occurrence of small earthquakes within the country does not necessarily mean that a major earthquake is imminent. Earthquakes of varying magnitudes will occur at different times. This is entirely normal.”
Earthquake experts told Jago News that minor tremors can sometimes act as precursors to larger seismic events. Conversely, if small earthquakes occur regularly, they may gradually release accumulated tectonic energy, potentially reducing the likelihood of a major quake. Nonetheless, it remains impossible to accurately predict the magnitude or timing of future earthquakes. All that can be affirmed is that Bangladesh remains at seismic risk.
Professor Dr Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan of the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka, who has researched earthquakes for many years, told Jago News that Bangladesh’s geological position makes earthquakes inevitable. The country lies close to the convergence of three tectonic plates – the Indian Plate, the Burmese Plate and the Eurasian Plate – ensuring a constant earthquake threat. He added that Bangladesh’s geology is predominantly composed of soft rock. Consequently, even low-frequency, high-amplitude earthquakes can cause significant damage. When the natural frequency of an earthquake matches the resonant frequency of a building, the danger increases substantially.
He noted that minor earthquakes occur constantly and are entirely normal. On average, at least 50 small earthquakes of magnitude 1 to 3 occur globally every day. Earthquakes within this range are typically imperceptible to humans. However, once magnitude reaches 4 or above, people can feel the tremors, and structural damage becomes possible.
National alert is necessary
Dr Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan stressed that the most critical measures to mitigate earthquake damage are public awareness and preparedness. To achieve this, buildings must be constructed in strict compliance with seismic building codes. Open spaces must be preserved to facilitate rescue operations. Adequate medical and emergency response equipment must be kept ready, and personnel including doctors and nurses must be trained for disaster response. He said that if government and private organisations, researchers, volunteers and ordinary citizens work collectively, earthquake damage can be significantly reduced.
He warned: “If international standards are not followed in the construction of buildings and infrastructure development in this earthquake-prone region, a major disaster could occur.”