Large parts of the landmass of Bangladesh and its surroundings are susceptible to
earthquakes, ranging from the highly active Himalayan belt to the north of the country to the
peninsula in the south which also suffers less frequent but nevertheless destructive
earthquakes. The subduction plate boundaries around Bangladesh, with
known earthquakes mapped on the southern end, and sections shown in black in the northern
end that have not ruptured in the historic past but could potentially rupture.

One of the earliest recorded major earthquakes was the 1762 Arakan earthquake. Significant
damage and loss of life were reported, with widespread effects on the local landscape and
communities. Several instances of soil liquefaction were linked with this event, which may
have also triggered a tsunami. The 14 July 1885 Bengal earthquake originated near Bogra in
Bangladesh, causing severe damage to houses in Sirajganj district and Sherpur town in Bogra
district. The 1897 Assam earthquake, occurring on June 12 with a magnitude of 8.1, also had a
profound impact on Bangladesh, although its epicenter was in the Indian state of Assam. The
quake caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. In the 20th century, the 18
July 1918 Srimangal earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6, centered in northeastern
Bangladesh, led to severe destruction and alteration to natural features, such as river courses.