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Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chair Tarique Rahman on Friday expressed deep shock over the sad impact of the earthquake across the country.

Tarique Rahman in a post on his X account said, ‘I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the widespread destruction caused by today’s severe earthquake in Bangladesh.’

‘I express my solidarity and deepest sympathy to all the people affected by this terrible natural disaster,’ he said.

‘I pray for the peace of the departed souls of those killed in the earthquake and extend my deepest condolences to their bereaved families, wishing a swift recovery for all the injured,’ he said.

‘Had the government been better prepared beforehand, it would have been possible to improve disaster management, better protect the people, and reduce the scale of the damage. The people of Bangladesh have always moved forward, overcoming various natural calamities and dangers,’ he added.

Tarique hoped that the people of Bangladesh would be able to recover from the damage caused by Friday’s earthquake as well.

He announced that the BNP would stand firmly beside the people affected by the earthquake.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, injuries and damage caused by the earthquake in various parts of the country.

He conveyed his condolences in a post on his verified Facebook account on Friday urging people to stay safe — seek shelter safely and cautiously during an earthquake.’

Earlier in the day, BNP standing committee member AZM Zahid Hossain at a discussion said that the government must immediately take urgent measures to protect lives of people from earthquakes.

He made these remarks on Friday at a discussion at the National Press Club organised by the Dhaka North and South units of the Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal (nationalist fishermen’s dal) marking the November 7 National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

Noting the risky situation of the buildings in Old Dhaka and the recent earthquakes in Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan, he said, ‘After the morning’s earthquake, there is certainly no reason to think that we are in a position to remain comfortable.’

‘Therefore, I believe that the government, along with all conscious citizens — especially the Geological Survey and those involved in building design and planning — must act. This is high time.’

‘But a delay could cause major losses. So, we need initiatives to figure out how those losses can be minimised,’ he said.

During the discussion, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake was felt across Dhaka and the rest of the country at 10:38 am on Friday. 

When the tremor hit, leaders and activists attending the meeting rushed out of the auditorium.