Dhaka trembled once again as a powerful 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday afternoon, marking the third seismic event in just 40 hours. The quake hit at 1:52 PM local time, with its epicenter located approximately 18 kilometers southeast of Satkhira city in the Asasuni sub-district.
Residents in Satkhira district reported feeling intense shaking for several seconds. Many were in the midst of Jumu’ah prayers in mosques when the ground began to sway violently. Panic ensued as families rushed out of their homes, fearing the worst. Eyewitnesses described the sensation as a direct jolt to the chest, with the earth moving so forcefully it felt like everything was turning upside down.
This latest tremor follows two earlier quakes. On Wednesday night, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake rattled Dhaka, Sylhet, and surrounding areas at 10:53 PM, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Then, on Thursday afternoon at 12:04 PM, another 4.6 magnitude quake affected Dhaka and other parts of the country, as recorded by Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department Earthquake Observation and Research Centre.
Local media outlets like UNB and The Daily Star highlighted the growing anxiety among residents, who called this the strongest quake they had ever experienced. Acting officer Julfikar Ali from Satkhira’s weather office confirmed the epicenter in Asasuni, while sub-district Executive Officer Saeeduzzaman Emu noted severe jolts but no reports of damage or casualties so far.
Personal accounts poured in from those inside mosques. Alauddin Hussain, praying in Asasuni, felt the shock hit his chest directly. Others like Rabibul Alam, Tuhin Gazi, Masud Rana, and Sadik Anwar shared terrifying moments during prayers at Kulla Beit ul Aman Jame Mosque and Bodta Central Jame Mosque.
Geology experts weighed in on the cause. Former chairman of Dhaka University’s Geology Department, Professor Syed Humayun Akhtar, explained that fault lines aren’t the only trigger for quakes in Satkhira, referencing a similar event 10-12 years ago. He emphasized multiple geological factors at play.
As aftershocks remain a concern in this seismically active region, authorities urge residents to stay vigilant. No major destruction has been reported, but the frequent tremors have heightened fears across Bangladesh.