United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 10th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 166 at 9:50 am this morning (December 18, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’ referring to a healthy threat, according to the AQI index. Such unhealthy air quality continued for the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Egypt’s Cairo, Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s Delhi cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 293, 284, and 280 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Dhaka choked by ‘unhealthy’ air; ranks 10th worst globally The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Recent remarks by Indian officials have sparked frustration among residents who say the government is downplaying the severity of air pollution in the country’s capital. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav recently told Parliament that New Delhi recorded 200 days of “good” air quality this year. Experts and opposition leaders criticized the figure, saying it ignored the city’s worst pollution months. Days later, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta suggested that air quality could be managed like a temperature reading by spraying water, prompting public jeers at a city event. Earlier this year, Gupta approved a controversial cloud seeding program intended to reduce pollution, despite limited evidence of its effectiveness. Residents say such comments highlight officials’ reluctance to address the city’s toxic smog. “Instead of doing cloud seeding, I hope the government will wake up and take some real action,” said 73-year-old resident Anita. Experts note that India’s air quality standards are less strict than those of the U.S. and the World Health Organization, and monitoring networks are too sparse to accurately capture local pollution levels. While the National Clean Air Program, launched in 2019, has funded monitors and dust-reduction measures, it has done little to curb industrial or vehicular emissions—the country’s largest pollution sources. A 2024 report found that 64% of program funds went toward dust control, only 12% to vehicle pollution, and less than 1% to industrial emissions. The health impacts are severe. A 2024 Lancet study linked long-term exposure to polluted air in India to 1.5 million additional deaths annually compared with WHO standards. Yet officials, including junior health minister Prataprao Jadhav, have questioned the availability of conclusive data connecting pollution to disease or death. Campaigners warn that pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly at risk. “Exposure at this stage has a lifelong consequence,” said Shweta Narayan of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. Protests in New Delhi this month reflected growing public frustration. Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha criticized authorities for prioritizing image management over genuine action. “Everyone feels the pollution. People are not able to work or even breathe,” said Satish Sharma, a 60-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, who has reduced his work hours due to deteriorating health. “I want to tell the government to please do something about this pollution. Otherwise, people will move away from here.” Source: AP 

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 199 at 9:50 am this morning (December 17, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’ referring to a healthy threat, according to the AQI index. Such unhealthy air quality continued for the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Bosnia Herzegovina’s Sarajevo, India’s Delhi and again Kolkata cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 450, 285, and 239 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. ‘Unhealthy’ air quality persists in Dhaka Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

The Department of Environment (DoE) has carried out a coordinated nationwide enforcement drive against air pollution, illegal brick kilns, the use of banned polythene and industrial units operating without environmental clearance. During the drives on Monday, mobile courts imposed fines, shut down several illegal brick kilns, destroyed around 1.5 million raw bricks, seized banned polythene and disconnected electricity, gas and water connections of polluting industrial units, the DoE said. In the capital, mobile courts were conducted at Shantinagar intersection, Ramna, Rampura and Merul Badda under the leadership of Sidhartha Shankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Executive Magistrate. For causing air pollution by dumping construction materials on open roads, three cases were filed under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022, and fines amounting to Tk 50,000 were realised. Seven companies and house owners were also instructed to immediately remove construction materials from the roads. In Pirojpur, an enforcement drive was carried out at Sriramkathi Bazar in Nazirpur upazila to curb the use of banned polythene. One case resulted in a fine of Tk 2,000 and about 11 kilograms of illegal polythene shopping bags were seized. Later in the afternoon, a clinic in Pirojpur Sadar was fined Tk 6,000 for violating the Medical Waste Management Rules. In Sunamganj Sadar upazila, action against an illegal brick kiln led to a fine of Tk 100,000 imposed on Messrs A.R.B Bricks. The kiln’s operations were completely shut down after extinguishing the fire with the assistance of the Fire Service and destroying raw bricks using an excavator. Large-scale operations were also conducted in Longadu and Kaptai upazilas of Rangamati district against brick kilns operating in defiance of High Court directives. Around one million raw bricks were destroyed, five kiln chimneys were demolished, electricity connections were disconnected, timber was seized and multiple cases are under process. In Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat, two brick kilns were inspected. One kiln was fined Tk 10,000 while another had its chimney demolished and electricity disconnected and raw bricks destroyed. In Narsingdi district, utility connections of three dyeing factories and one battery factory operating without environmental clearance and effluent treatment plants were disconnected. A poultry farm was exempted from disconnection due to an existing legal stay order. In Bheramara upazila of Kushtia, an illegal brick kiln was shut down by demolishing its fixed chimney. The kiln’s operations were stopped and about 500,000 raw bricks were destroyed. The Department of Environment said such enforcement drives against illegal brick kilns, polluting establishments and violations of environmental laws would continue regularly to protect the environment and public health.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked ninth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 155 at 9:50 am this morning (December 15, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’ referring to a healthy threat, according to the AQI index. Such unhealthy air quality continued for the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Karachi and again Lahore cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 316, 213, and 196 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Police to act against noise from vehicles, construction work, loudspeakers The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone.] Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Maine’s lakes and ponds are echoing with more of the eerie calls of loons as the state’s iconic waterbirds show signs of recovery, though conservationists caution the species still faces ongoing risks. Maine is home to several thousand common loons — the largest population along the U.S. East Coast — and conservation efforts appear to be paying off. Maine Audubon reported this week that its annual survey recorded higher numbers of both adult loons and chicks compared with last year. According to the group’s estimates, the southern half of the state is home to about 3,174 adult loons and 568 chicks. Audubon focuses on southern Maine, where enough volunteers are available to ensure reliable counts. The current total is more than double the number recorded when monitoring began in 1983, with adult numbers up about 13 percent over the past decade. “We’re cautiously optimistic after seeing chick numbers increase for two consecutive years,” said Tracy Hart, a wildlife ecologist with Maine Audubon. “But we’ll need several more years of data to know whether this reflects a true upward trend or simply two strong breeding seasons.” State policies have played a role in supporting loon recovery. Maine lawmakers have restricted the use of lead fishing tackle, which loons can accidentally ingest, and boating speed limits have helped protect shoreline nests from destructive wakes, conservation groups say. Before megalodon, giant shark dominated ancient Australian seas Still, experts stress that it remains too soon to declare a full recovery. Maine’s breeding success is especially important, as the state supports far more loons than the rest of New England combined. Nationwide, the U.S. has about 27,000 breeding adults, with Minnesota hosting the largest population. While common loons are not federally endangered, they are listed as threatened or sensitive in several states. Winter also poses dangers, as loons migrating late can become trapped by ice. Wildlife rehabilitators say they regularly receive calls about birds stranded in frozen waters. Source: AP 

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday said police sergeants and other responsible officers will now be able to take direct action against noise pollution. “Having laws alone is not enough; desired results cannot be achieved unless their effective implementation is ensured. Active role of police at the field level is extremely crucial,” she said. The adviser made the remarks at a meeting at the Department of Environment organised to grant law enforcement authority to police under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2025, and to engage different stakeholders. Calling for coordinated efforts by all concerned agencies, Rizwana said public awareness is as important as imposing fines. She said noise pollution is no longer a minor issue as it seriously affects public health, children’s mental development and the comfort of urban life. She emphasised the need for strict monitoring of noise from vehicles, construction work, loudspeakers and various electronic devices, said a PID handout. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Fahmida Khanam, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Kamruzzaman and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman. The Dhaka University VC was awarded a crest and a letter of appreciation for imposing a complete ban on fireworks, firecrackers and sky lanterns on the night of December 31 in 2024, setting an example in raising awareness among students. One sound meter was formally handed over to the additional commissioner as part of distributing 50 sound meters to Dhaka Metropolitan Police traffic sergeants.

Life continues largely unchanged for Indigenous residents living near Colombia’s Puracé volcano, even as authorities warn that an eruption could occur in the coming days or weeks due to heightened seismic activity and rising ash emissions. For 65-year-old Oliverio Quira, a member of the Coconuco Indigenous community, tending cattle near the volcano remains part of daily life. Having grown up on its slopes, he says fear has no place in his relationship with the mountain, which he views as both familiar and protective. Since an alert was issued on Nov. 29, officials have prepared contingency plans, including a possible evacuation of about 800 people scattered around the volcano. Standing more than 4,600 meters high, Puracé is among Colombia’s active volcanoes, with dozens of eruptions recorded over centuries. Severe flooding in Washington state leads to emergency rescues and evacuations For the Coconuco people, the volcano holds deep spiritual meaning. Community leaders describe it as a guardian of their land, honored through rituals and offerings meant to show respect and balance with nature. Ash emissions are interpreted as messages urging care for the environment. While authorities work to arrange shelters, local leaders stress that evacuation plans must also address food, water and livestock protection. Many residents say leaving without secure livelihoods would pose its own risks, underscoring their determination to remain on ancestral land despite the uncertainty.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked eighth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 153 at 9:50 am this morning (December 14, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’ referring to a health threat, according to the AQI index. The unhealthy air quality continued for the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Read more: Dhaka choked by ‘unhealthy’ air; ranks 10th worst globally India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Egypt’s Cairo cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 563, 214, and 192 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Record-setting floods in Washington state began to slowly subside Friday after forcing widespread evacuations, flooding towns and leading to dramatic rescues from rooftops and stranded vehicles. Officials cautioned, however, that water levels would remain elevated for days and warned of continued risks from stressed levees. “This is not a short-term emergency,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a briefing, noting that water levels have reached historic highs and will stay dangerous for an extended period. Ferguson said President Donald Trump approved Washington’s request for an emergency declaration. A powerful atmospheric river system dumped a foot or more of rain across parts of western Washington, swelling rivers throughout the region. While no fatalities have been reported, the damage appears extensive. Flooded neighborhoods, washed-out roads and bridges, mudslides, and closed highways have been reported, and emergency crews have carried out dozens of rescues. Tens of thousands of residents in the Skagit River floodplain north of Seattle, including much of Burlington, were ordered to evacuate Wednesday. By Friday morning, floodwaters spilled into homes as muddy water overflowed nearby channels, prompting heightened warnings. Although water levels later began to recede, officials said the Skagit River remained dangerously high. National Guard members went door to door in Burlington early Friday, alerting residents and assisting with evacuations. Portions of the evacuation order were later lifted, but authorities warned that prolonged pressure on levees could still trigger flash flooding. The Skagit River, which drains large areas of the Cascade Range before crossing low-lying farmland, crested at a record 37 feet in Mount Vernon. A flood wall completed in 2018 successfully protected the city’s downtown. In Burlington, about 1,000 residents evacuated overnight as water rose 2 to 3 feet inside some homes. Residents like Mario Rincón returned to flooded properties only to find water still filling the lower levels. With family visiting from Mexico and a newborn child, Rincón said finding temporary housing would be difficult while waiting for the water to recede. Although the heaviest rainfall has passed, emergency officials said runoff from the mountains will keep rivers high. Additional rain expected starting Sunday could cause waterways to rise again. Communities near the Canadian border, including Sumas, Nooksack, and Everson, were heavily flooded, forcing the closure of the Sumas border crossing. Sumas Mayor Bruce Bosch described the city as devastated, echoing similar flooding from four years earlier, and urged residents to remain patient. In King County, crews worked overnight to stabilize a levee along the Green River in Tukwila. A wastewater employee remained trapped inside a flooded treatment facility for days to ensure operations continued, helping protect public health for millions, officials said. Across the state, emergency responders rescued people by boat and helicopter. In Sumas, helicopters lifted families from rooftops where floodwaters reached about 15 feet deep. Elsewhere, erosion caused two homes near Deming to collapse into the Nooksack River, though no one was injured. Animals were also saved, including a rooster rescued from a tree by kayakers. Meanwhile, a landslide in Oregon damaged a coastal highway, forcing a long-term closure. Scientists note that while individual storms cannot be directly attributed to climate change without detailed study, climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding.