An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter Scale struck parts of Bangladesh at 10.38 am on November 21, triggering a series of safety alarms, minor structural failures and small fires across Dhaka and surrounding districts, though authorities reported no large-scale casualties.

According to the local Dhaka Tribune, emergency teams from the Fire Service and Civil Defence were dispatched throughout the capital as reports emerged of falling debris, suspected building damage and residential blazes. Officials said the incidents were contained quickly, with only isolated injuries and localised property losses confirmed.

In the Bongshal neighbourhood of Dhaka, three pedestrians were killed when a railing on a five-storey building gave way during the tremor. Police said the victims were walking along the roadside when the structure collapsed without warning.

Elsewhere in the capital, an eight-storey building in Armanitola prompted concerns of an imminent collapse, drawing units from nearby stations. Initial assessments found the structure largely sound, although pieces of plaster and brick had fallen according to the Tribune. No injuries were recorded.

In Khilgaon, one person was hurt after a brick from a construction site struck a nearby building. Residents provided immediate assistance, and officials determined that no further action was necessary.

A residential fire in Baridhara required two fire units, with investigators yet to determine whether the blaze was linked to the seismic jolt. In Sutrapur’s Swamibagh area, residents reported a leaning building, prompting fresh structural checks, while a similar alarm in Kolabagan was later attributed to public anxiety rather than actual damage.

Separately, a house fire in Munshiganj drew additional emergency crews, with details of any casualties still pending.

Authorities said inspections would continue across affected districts, but early indications suggested the earthquake caused only limited structural disruption.