Some 516 earthquakes hit Bangladesh from 2001 to 2014, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury told Parliament yesterday, reports UNB. Replying to a question from AL lawmaker Didarul Alam (Ctg -4), the minister said highest 43 tremors jolted the country in 2002 followed by 42 in 2003. He mentioned that 31 earthquakes shook the country in 2001, while the number was 39 in 2004, 30 in 2005, 27 in 2006, 31 in 2007, 36 in 2008, 34 in 2009, 38 in 2010, 37 in 2011, 34 in 2012, 35 in 2013 and 25 in 2014. The minister also told JS that a process to purchase equipment worth Tk 158 crore is underway for conducting rescue operation after earthquakes.