Dhaka, June 7, 2026 — A moderate earthquake originating in Bhutan jolted Bangladesh late Sunday night, with tremors felt across the capital Dhaka and many other parts of the country, causing widespread panic among residents.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the earthquake struck at approximately 11:37 pm local time. Assistant Meteorologist Farzana Sultana said the quake measured 5.6 on the Richter scale and had its epicentre in Bhutan.
The tremor was felt in Dhaka as well as various districts across the country. Residents reported buildings swaying for several seconds, prompting many people to leave their homes and gather in open spaces as a precaution.
The sudden late-night shaking triggered anxiety among citizens, with numerous social media users sharing their experiences and reports from different parts of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the earthquake’s epicentre was located about 28 kilometres northeast of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.
No immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received from Bangladesh following the tremor. Authorities, however, continued monitoring the situation and urged people to remain calm while following standard earthquake safety procedures.
Bhutan and the surrounding Himalayan region lie in a seismically active zone where earthquakes are relatively common due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Tremors originating in the region are frequently felt in neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
Bangladesh, despite not being located directly on a major fault line, remains vulnerable to earthquakes because of its proximity to several active seismic zones. Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for greater preparedness, especially in densely populated urban centres such as Dhaka.
As of late Sunday night, there were no official reports of significant damage or injuries linked to the earthquake in either Bangladesh or Bhutan. Authorities in both countries were continuing to assess the situation.