The Madhupur geological plate—widely known as the Madhupur Fault—has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable seismic zones, sparking growing fear among residents of Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, and surrounding districts.
Bangladesh sits atop three major earthquake-prone belts, and the Madhupur Fault is considered one of the most dangerous among them due to its geological features and proximity to densely populated areas. Specialists caution that a strong jolt originating in this zone could have catastrophic effects across multiple districts, including the capital, Dhaka—located barely 100 kilometers away.
According to geological assessments, the Madhupur Fault has the potential to generate an earthquake of 7.0 to 7.5 magnitude, strong enough to cause severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and human life. Experts highlight that because of the fault’s location beneath active landmasses, even moderate tremors could lead to extensive destruction.
The risk is not theoretical. Over the past several years, Bangladesh has recorded multiple earthquakes whose epicenters were traced directly to the Madhupur region. One notable instance occurred in September 2019, when a 4.2 magnitude tremor originated from the area. During earlier seismic activity, a dramatic half-mile–long land fissure—around three to four inches wide and up to 20 feet deep—opened in Bokarbaiyd village, indicating significant ground movement beneath the region.
Several tremors felt on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday have intensified public concern. Shahidul Islam Shahid, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Madhupur branch, said the renewed seismic activity has placed the Madhupur Fault back in national focus.
He warned that if the fault triggers an earthquake of 6.0 to 6.5 magnitude, the impact could be devastating:
“Nearly one crore (10 million) people across Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, and Dhaka may be at serious risk,” he said.
Tangail Fire Service and Civil Defence Assistant Director Md. Jane Alam acknowledged that the northern part of Tangail lies within the red zone, indicating the highest level of earthquake vulnerability.
He added that the district has strengthened its disaster response equipment and manpower in four key stations—Madhupur, Bhuyapur, Mirzapur, and Tangail Sadar.
“We are enhancing readiness to minimize casualties and damage,” he said. “Community volunteer teams are also being trained so that immediate rescue and emergency support can be provided.”
Prof. Mir Md. Mozammel Haque of the Department of Environment and Resource Science at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University emphasized that the Madhupur Fault’s influence extends broadly across several districts.
He noted, “Among Bangladesh’s three main seismic belts, the Madhupur Fault is highly active. Its impact zone includes Tangail, Mymensingh, Gazipur, and even parts of Dhaka. A moderate to strong quake could result in widespread destruction.”
He stressed the need for public awareness, infrastructure safety audits, and emergency preparedness drills.
Madhupur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Zubair Hossain echoed the concerns, stating that the potential impact of a major quake could be severe.
“During Disaster Preparedness Day, we focused on earthquake response activities. Soon, we will conduct more community-level drills to enhance awareness and ensure that residents know how to respond in an emergency,” he said.
As tremors continue and experts warn of potential danger, the residents of Madhupur and nearby districts remain anxious. With millions of lives at stake, specialists and community leaders are urging immediate and sustained action to minimize risks from one of Bangladesh’s most active and dangerous faults.
