Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the fifth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 153 at 8:50am this morning (October 7, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy' but yesterday’s air quality was ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups with an AQI score of 101,’ according to the AQI index. 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. Vietnam’s Hanoi, India’s New Delhi and Pakistan’s Lahore occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 168, 167 and 164, respectively. Read: Incessant rains throw life out of gear in Dhaka 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: Dhaka’s air quality ‘moderate’ this morning 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.

Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has highlighted the importance of upstream countries informing downstream countries in advance about rainfall, structural conditions, and water release timings noting that both must work together. She also emphasized the need for regional cooperation in addressing the impacts of climate change. The Environment Advieor made these remarks on Sunday while addressing the 'Annual Community of Practice (COP) Network Convention' as the chief guest. The event was organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation under the project 'EmPower: Women for Climate Resilient Societies," at Dhaka Brac Centre. Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana urges for using alternatives to polythene shopping bags She also mentioned that the government is taking steps to prevent food shortages during natural disasters. She called for international efforts to achieve zero carbon emissions and secure funding from the Loss and Damage Fund. Rizwana Hasan further noted that women are the most affected by climate change and assured that their participation would be ensured in the National Adaptation Plan. The event was presided over by Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation. Special guests included Maria Stridsman, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, and Gitanjali Singh, Country Representative for UN Women. Bangladesh to initiate talks with India over shared river water rights: Adviser Rizwana During the event, the 'Women's Climate Action Network' was launched, and five female entrepreneurs were awarded the 'Women's Role in Combating Climate Change Award 2024'. Participants at the convention discussed strategies for increasing women's participation and leadership in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Various panel discussions, workshops, and presentations were held on women's empowerment, climate resilience, and gender equality.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the 10th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 101 at 9am this morning (October 6, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', according to the AQI index. 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. Vietnam’s Hanoi, China’s Beijing and Wuhan cities occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 186, 158 and 156, 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. Read: Dhaka’s air quality ‘moderate’ this morning 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. Read more: Despite rain, Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morning

Bangladesh Metrological Department predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in five divisions of the country in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Saturday. “Due to active monsoon heavy (44-88 mm / 24hrs) to very heavy (289 mm I 24hrs) rainfall is likely at places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during 2 4 hours commencing  9 am today,” said a Met office bulletin. Incessant rains throw life out of gear in Dhaka; landslides likely in Ctg Due to heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chattogram division, it added.

Incessant rains triggered waterlogging and traffic gridlocks in different parts of the capital on Saturday, disrupting normal life of its residents. The rains, triggered by active monsoon, started at around 1 pm on Friday and continued through Saturday afternoon, inundating lanes in different areas, including at Green Road, Dhanmondi, Malibagh, Mouchak, New Market and Mirpur. Assistant Meteorologist of Bangladesh Metrological Department Afroza Sultana said two millimeters rain was recorded in Dhaka while 66 mm in Sylhet from 6am to 9am today. Heavy downpour batters life in Chandpur; 277 mm rains recorded The waterlogging led to nagging traffic jams in some parts of the capital although today is a weekly holiday. As many of the private offices remain open on Saturday, office goers faced hurdle to reach their destinations due to lack of transports. Due to active monsoon heavy rainfall is likely at places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Saturday, according to BMD. Due to heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chattogram division, it said. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, are likely at most places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, according to BMD’s latest weather bulletin. BMD predicts heavy rainfall in five divisions, landslides in Ctg A low-pressure area has formed over the North Bay of Bengal and adjacent coastal regions of Bangladesh. The monsoon is active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, while nighttime temperatures may fall slightly across the country, the bulletin added.

Dhaka’s air quality has turned “moderate” and ranked the 12th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 90 at 9:15 am this morning. Vietnam’s Hanoi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Uganda’s Kampala occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 172, 172 and 160, respectively. 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. 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. 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.

Light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, are likely to occur at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, according to BMD’s latest weather bulletin on Saturday. A low-pressure area has formed over the North Bay of Bengal and adjacent coastal regions of Bangladesh. The monsoon is active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, while nighttime temperatures may fall slightly across the country, the bulletin added.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the 13th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 99 at 9:10am this morning (October 4, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'moderate', according to the AQI index. 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. Pakistan’s Lahore, Uganda’s Kampala and India’s Delhi occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 200, 184 and 159, 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. Read: Despite rain, Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morning 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. Read more: Dhaka’s air quality still marks ‘unhealthy’

Despite the rainfall, Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the 31st on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 65 at 9:00 am this morning (Thursday). Today’s air was classified as 'moderate', according to the AQI index. 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. Pakistan’s Lahore, Indonesia’s Jakarta and Democratic Republic of the Congo's Kinshasa occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 220, 179 and 160, 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. 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. 

Bangladesh Climate Action Forum, organized by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), will be held on October 10 in Dhaka, uniting many contributors to advancing climate action and sustainability. "Achieving a net-zero carbon future is not just a necessity, it’s an urgent responsibility," said Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange. He said they must align their industries, particularly the fashion and apparel sector, with sustainable practices that not only reduce carbon emissions but also build resilience for the future. "Now is the time for collective action to ensure that our planet thrives for generations to come," he said ahead of the Forum. Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Dr. M. Fouzul Kabir Khan, ; Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan will emphasize the critical environmental priorities shaping government initiatives. Lutfey Siddiqi, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, will provide a strategic overview of Bangladesh's international climate commitments. Complementing these national voices will be contributions from global leaders, including Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh; Achim Tröster, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany; and Thijs Woudstra, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their participation underscores the international collaboration required to advance Bangladesh's sustainability goals. The forum is supported by key partners, including Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, the European Union, GIZ, H&M, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, Bangladesh, PDS Limited, and Target Bringing together industry leaders, Government, climate enthusiasts, innovators, brands, development organizations, institutions, policymakers, and academics. The  government agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources; Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and the Bangladesh Power Management Institute (BPMI) will play a critical role in shaping policy discussions. Key diplomatic missions are actively involved, including the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, the Embassy of France in Bangladesh, the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. The European Commission’s participation further reinforces the forum’s global perspective. Organizations, institutions, and associations including the Laudes Foundation, USAID Bangladesh, Oxfam in Bangladesh, BlueWin, and Cornell University, provide essential expertise, along with apparel manufacturers such as Epic Group, Jamuna Group, PRAN-RFL Group, Shin Shin Group, TEAM Group, and innovator SOLshare. The theme of this year's Bangladesh Fashion: Driving Collective Climate Action highlights the urgent need for sustainability within the fashion and apparel sector. The day-long Bangladesh Climate Action Forum 2024 will feature a comprehensive program, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, presentations, workshops, and the launch of two critical initiatives. Keynote addresses, with topics ranging from Climate Crisis & Fashion: Road for Bangladesh, Decarbonization Pathways for Bangladesh, Climate Impacts, Adaptation and Resilience Priorities for Fashion Industry in Bangladesh, Funding Decarbonizations & Presentation by PDS. The panel sessions will cover Unblocking Decarbonization Roadblocks, Navigating the Future of CPPAs in Bangladesh, Climate Adaptation, Mitigation and Resilience: Road Forward, Climate Justice, Equity and Shared Responsibility, and Funding Decarbonization. The launch of two pivotal initiatives will occur during the event: the Soldiered 'Better Mills Initiative' and the OnetrueSOLar Fund. In addition, key presentations will focus on Solar Rooftop System Optimization, Thermal Energy System Optimization, and Clean by Design: Lessons from Bangladesh and Impact. The engineering workshop is supported by innovators and experts from industry-leading organizations, including Armstrong Fluid Technology, Forbes Marshall, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, Illukkumbura Industrial Automation (Pvt) Ltd., and Jinko Solar. Each organization brings unmatched expertise in sustainability, energy optimization, and cutting-edge green technologies, ensuring attendees leave with actionable strategies to apply in their operations. Over 300 engineers from apparel manufacturing units will join & get the opportunity to gain practical strategies to drive tangible progress toward sustainability and decarbonization within their organizations. GIZ Bangladesh will be organizing a panel discussion on eco-friendly cooling solutions as part of the engineering workshops. Bangladesh Climate Action Forum 2024 signifies a commitment to collective ambition and strategic foresight in addressing climate challenges. This initiative lays the groundwork for future climate leadership, promoting collaboration and a sustainable, low-carbon future for all.