Tarique mourns quake deaths, slams lack of precautions

Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of lives in today's (21 November) earthquake, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said the casualties and damage could have been reduced had proper precautionary measures been taken in advance.

"A devastating earthquake today caused extensive damage to several high-rise buildings in the capital Dhaka and different parts of the country… I am deeply saddened by the casualties and the widespread destruction," he said in a condolence message.

Citing information received so far, the BNP leader said six people have lost their lives and more than two hundred have been injured. "I am deeply shocked by the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the powerful earthquake in Bangladesh."

He expressed solidarity with all those affected by this devastating natural disaster and conveyed his sympathy to them.

The BNP leader prayed to Almighty Allah to grant patience and strength to the families of those killed and injured in the earthquake.

"Had the government taken precautions in advance, it would have been possible to improve disaster management, protect people, and reduce losses," he said.

The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have always moved forward by overcoming various natural disasters with resilience.

"I firmly believe they will also be able to recover from the damage caused by today's earthquake. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) stands beside those affected by the earthquake," he said.

Tarique prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a quick recovery for the injured. "May Almighty Allah protect us all."

In another condolence message, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to property.

"I express my condolences and sympathy to all the affected families. I pray to Almighty Allah that they find the strength and patience to cope with this difficult time," he said.

Fakhrul said the BNP will stand beside those affected by this disaster. "I pray for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and convey my deepest sympathy to their bereaved families, and I wish a quick recovery for the injured."

Earlier in the morning, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).