United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 251 at 9:10 am. The city’s air quality was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, posing a serious health risk, according to the AQI report. Weather likely to remain unchanged: BMD Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sarajevo topped the list with an AQI score of 404, while India’s Delhi ranked third with an AQI score of 192. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, while 101–150 is ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’. Levels between 151 and 200 are termed ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which measures daily air quality, indicates how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the index is calculated based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Unnecessary honking must stop to curb noise pollution: Environment Adviser Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution, which typically worsens during the winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked fourth among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday morning (January 22, 2026), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 240 at 9:23 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Read more: Bicycling could cut emissions in Global South with policy support: Study Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India, and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 368, 317, and 265 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka's air quality remains ‘very unhealthy’ Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning (January 21, 2026), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 296 at 9:40 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India, and Kolkata in India occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 324, 293, and 232 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka's air quality remains ‘very unhealthy’ Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities on tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 296 at 9:02 am. Today (January 20, 2026), the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Read more: Weather likely to remain unchanged: BMD Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India, and Kolkata in India occupied the first, second, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 558, 450, and 284 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. Read more: Dhaka's air quality remains ‘very unhealthy’ The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Weather is likely to remain dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Monday (January 19, 2026), said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Light to moderate fog may occur at a few places across the country during the late night to early morning hours, it said. Night and day temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged. Read More: Rains, thundershowers likely in 3 divisions: BMD A ridge of the sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining areas, while a seasonal low lies over the south Bay, extending its trough to the Northeast Bay. The lowest temperature was recorded at 9.2 degrees Celsius in Tentulia.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning (January 19, 2026), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 272 at 8:58 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Delhi in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and Kolkata in India occupied the first, second, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 541, 312, and 204 respectively. Read more: Air pollution: 5 ways to protect yourself from poor air quality According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka's air quality turns ‘very unhealthy’ Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, recorded the third worst air quality among major cities worldwide on Sunday morning (January 18, 2026), once again highlighting the city’s persistent struggle with pollution. According to the air quality and pollution city ranking, Dhaka registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 275 at 10:10am, placing it third on the list of cities with the most polluted air. The city’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’. India’s capital Delhi topped the list with an AQI score of 605, while Pakistan’s Lahore secured the second position with an AQI of 297, both indicating extremely poor air conditions. The AQI is used globally to report daily air quality levels and to indicate how polluted the air is, along with the potential health effects on residents. When AQI values for particle pollution fall between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’.  Read More: Dhaka’s air quality remains ‘unhealthy’ amid fog A reading between 150 and 200 is categorised as ‘unhealthy’, while levels ranging from 201 to 300 are deemed ‘very unhealthy’. An AQI reading above 301 is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with severe air pollution, a problem that worsens during the winter months due to increased emissions and unfavourable weather conditions.  The situation typically improves during the monsoon season, when rainfall helps to reduce airborne pollutants. Despite seasonal relief, air pollution remains a major public health concern for the city’s residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory conditions, as Dhaka continues to rank among the most polluted cities in the world. Read more: Adviser Rizwana calls for effective regional action to combat trans-boundary air pollution

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday said unnecessary honking must be stopped to control noise pollution, describing it as a long-standing bad habit that needs to be changed through law enforcement and public awareness. She made the remarks while inaugurating a motor rally against honking, jointly organised by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), under the Integrated and Partnership-based Project for Noise Pollution Control. The adviser said the Noise Pollution (Control) Regulations 2025 have already been gazetted, empowering both the DoE and police to take action against noise polluters. She added that several areas in Dhaka have been declared silent zones and monitoring must be strengthened. Identifying unnecessary honking and fireworks as major sources of noise pollution, she said steps would be taken to ensure fireworks are set off only at designated places during Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Environment adviser emphasizes valuing food producers, culinary heritage With the slogan “No more noise pollution, let healthy life prevail”, the rally started from Manik Mia Avenue and ended at the DoE office in Agargaon after passing through Farmgate, Karwan Bazar and Bijoy Sarani. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Additional Commissioner of DMP Md Sarwar, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman, Project Director of the Noise Pollution Control Project Farid Ahmed, and senior officials of the ministry, DoE and DMP were present at the event. Under the project, mobile courts and awareness campaigns were conducted at 10 important points in Dhaka for 10 days from January 5 to curb noise pollution. The campaign concluded with the motor rally. The campaign was supported by young student volunteers from Green Voice.

Deadly flooding triggered by weeks of torrential rain has claimed more than 100 lives across southern Africa, prompting helicopter rescues, mass evacuations, and warnings of further destruction as more rain is forecast, officials said Friday. The fatalities span South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, where prolonged downpours have overwhelmed rivers, damaged infrastructure, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Meteorological agencies cautioned that continued rainfall could worsen the situation. Mozambique hardest hitMozambique has suffered the greatest impact, with flooding across large areas of its central and southern regions. The country’s disaster management agency reported 103 deaths during an unusually intense rainy season that began late last year. The fatalities include people killed by flooding, lightning strikes, collapsing buildings, and cholera outbreaks linked to the severe weather. According to the World Food Program, more than 200,000 people have been affected nationwide, thousands of homes have been damaged, and tens of thousands may need to be relocated. The crisis has stretched the capacity of one of the region’s poorest nations, already battered by multiple cyclones in recent years. Rising toll in neighboring countriesIn South Africa, authorities said at least 30 people have died in floods affecting two northern provinces, with search-and-rescue operations still underway. Zimbabwe’s disaster agency reported 70 deaths and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes since the start of the year, along with widespread damage to schools, roads, and bridges. Flooding has also been reported in Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia. The U.S. Famine Early Warning System said flood conditions were occurring or anticipated in at least seven countries in southern Africa, potentially linked to the La Niña weather pattern, which often brings heavier rainfall to the region. Military rescue operations in South AfricaSouth Africa deployed its military to assist in rescue efforts, using helicopters to reach people trapped on rooftops and in trees in Limpopo province. The army also evacuated police and border officials stranded at a checkpoint along the Zimbabwe border. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-hit areas on Thursday, saying some districts received nearly 400 millimeters (over 15 inches) of rain in less than a week. In one community, he said, dozens of homes were completely swept away. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba reported that more than 1,000 houses were damaged across the province, many of them destroyed entirely. Significant destruction was also reported in neighboring Mpumalanga province, where roads and bridges collapsed. In Nkomazi Municipality near the Mozambican border, residents worked to salvage their homes while preparing for additional storms. The South African Weather Service issued its highest red-level warning for further severe rainfall and flooding in the area. “These were the worst rains I’ve ever seen here,” said resident Josephina Mashaba. “I’m still afraid they could come back.” Evacuations at Kruger National ParkSevere flooding also affected South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of the world’s largest wildlife reserves. About 600 tourists and park staff were relocated from flooded camps to higher ground after rivers burst their banks. Park authorities closed the reserve to new visitors and said several areas were completely cut off. No injuries or deaths were reported, according to park officials. Growing climate pressuresSouthern Africa has endured a string of extreme weather events in recent years, including powerful cyclones and severe droughts that have intensified food insecurity across the region. The World Food Program said current flooding in Mozambique has submerged more than 70,000 hectares of farmland, including rice and maize crops, further threatening the livelihoods and food supplies of thousands of small-scale farmers.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, topped the list of cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 273 at 8:25am. The air was classified as “very unhealthy”, according to the global air quality and pollution city ranking. An AQI reading between 151 and 200 is considered “unhealthy”, while levels between 201 and 300 are deemed “very unhealthy”. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as “hazardous”, posing severe health risks to residents. China’s Shanghai and India’s Delhi ranked second and third on the list, with AQI scores of 232 and 216 respectively. The AQI is an index used to report daily air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and the potential health effects associated with exposure. Bangladesh’s AQI is calculated based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, with air quality typically deteriorating during the winter months and improving during the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.