A powerful earthquake struck outside Bangladesh's crowded capital Dhaka on Friday, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 300, authorities said.

The 5.5-magnitude quake struck at 10:38 am (0438 GMT) near the city of Narsingdi, about 33 kilometres (16 miles) from Dhaka, according to the US Geological Survey.

The tremor sparked fear and chaos, with many in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people at home on their day off.

AFP reporters in Dhaka saw people weeping in the streets while others looked shocked.

The interim government's press office said at least nine people were killed and more than 300 people injured.

At least 14 buildings were damaged, and fire broke out at a power station but was later brought under control.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed in

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