Bangladesh govt putting public safety first after quake, says Yunus

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urges people not to pay attention to rumours or misinformation

The Bangladesh government says it is closely monitoring the situation across the country, including in Dhaka, in the aftermath of an earthquake that jolted the nation.

“The government is taking all necessary measures, giving utmost priority to public safety,” said Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in a statement posted to his verified Facebook account at 1pm.

“The government is aware of the public concern and anxiety following the earthquake tremors felt in different parts of the country. The situation is being closely monitored, and all relevant offices have been instructed to immediately move to the field level and assess any possible damage.”

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the tremor, which struck at 10:38am, had a magnitude of 5.7 and was centred about 13km from Dhaka at a depth of 10km.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude slightly lower, at 5.5, and located the epicentre about 14km west-southwest of Narsingdi.

At least five people, including an infant, have reportedly died due to incidents related to the quake. In Dhaka’s Bangshal area, three pedestrians were killed when the railing of a building collapsed during the shaking. In Narayanganj’s Rupganj Upazila, a ten-month-old child died after part of a wall gave way. A 65-year-old woman was also killed in Narsingdi's Palash as the mud wall of a building caved in.

Many others have been injured.

Yunus urged the people of the country not to pay attention to rumours or misinformation and to remain cautious.

Further instructions will be issued through hotlines and official government channels if necessary, he said.

The government is aware of the concern and panic that has arisen following the quake and all concerned government departments have been instructed to immediately assess the possible damage at the field level, the statement said.