What Did Ex-PM Hasina Say About the Devastating Quake in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the earthquake's impact.
- Criticism of the interim government for ineffective relief efforts.
- The earthquake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale.
- Significant casualties and injuries reported across multiple regions.
- Emphasis on Bangladesh's vulnerability to natural disasters.
Dhaka, Nov 22 (NationPress) The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, expressed profound sorrow on Saturday concerning the tragic loss of lives and extensive devastation resulting from the severe earthquake that hit the nation. Her comments followed a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that reportedly claimed at least 10 lives and left over 200 injured across the country, causing widespread fear and structural damage.
"Countless lives have been lost, hundreds have suffered injuries, and our nation has faced significant destruction due to this dreadful earthquake that struck Bangladesh," stated the former PM in a message shared on the Awami League's social media channels.
In her message, she extended condolences to the victims' families and expressed her wishes for a rapid recovery for those affected.
Hasina criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, stating, "This illegitimate government lacks accountability to the citizens, which is why they are not effectively alleviating the distress of the populace. Instead, they are surrendering our nation and its resources to foreign entities."
Addressing the nation's susceptibility to natural disasters, she remarked, "Bangladesh is inherently prone to disasters. With this in mind, the Awami League government has implemented policies aimed at inclusive and sustainable development."
The quake, recorded at 10:38 a.m. on Friday, was measured at 5.7 on the Richter scale by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, which pinpointed its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, categorizing it as a moderate earthquake.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, four individuals lost their lives in Dhaka, five in Narsingdi, and one in Narayanganj. The fatalities in Dhaka occurred in Armanitola after a building's roof railing collapsed, resulting in three deaths and several injuries, according to reports from The Dhaka Tribune.
More than 200 individuals sustained injuries in areas including Dhaka, Narsingdi, and Gazipur. The Directorate General of Health Services confirmed that 10 injured individuals were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and another 10 to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital.
Several students from Dhaka University were severely hurt after jumping from buildings in panic, with at least 10 students requiring hospitalization.
Reports from Dhaka indicated that minor damage, such as cracks, appeared in buildings across the capital, according to local media sources.
Residents described the event as unprecedented, with many taking to social media to share images and videos illustrating cracked walls, damaged floors, and scattered furniture throughout their homes.