United News of Bangladesh

A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping across several parts of the country and it may continue, according to a bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Wednesday morning. “A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Dhaka,Narayanganj, Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Barishal, Patuakhali and Bhola and it may continue,” it said. Besides, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at a few places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions. Meanwhile, moderately heavy falls are likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, it added. Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The trough of westerly low persists from West Bengal to North Bay. Southwest monsoon may advance up to Teknaf coast during next 72 hours.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked 11th among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 96. According to the AQI scale, the city’s air quality was classified as ‘Moderate’ at 08:58am. Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa, India’s Delhi, and Indonesia’s Jakarta were the three most polluted cities, with AQI scores of 195, 159 and 155 respectively. An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while a score between 151 and 200 is classified as ‘unhealthy’. AQI readings between 201 and 300 are termed ‘very unhealthy’, and anything above 301 is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI is a daily indicator of air quality, showing how clean or polluted the air is and the possible health effects people may experience. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution. Air quality usually worsens during winter and improves in the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly from stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka ranked 15th on the list of cities with the worst air quality on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 87. With this score, the capital’s air quality was classified as “moderate,” indicating acceptable air conditions, though there may be a slight health concern for a small number of unusually sensitive individuals. According to the AQI ranking at 9:00 am, Santiago, Chile, topped the list with a score of 160, followed by Wuhan, China with 153, Jakarta, Indonesia with 140, and Delhi, India with 135. An AQI score between 51 and 100 is considered moderate, while scores between 101 and 150 are deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores between 151 and 200 are categorized as unhealthy. The AQI measures air quality based on five major pollutants — particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, with air quality typically deteriorating during the dry winter months and improving during the monsoon season. Air pollution remains a major public health concern, contributing to respiratory illnesses and other health complications worldwide, according to environmental experts and health authorities.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in partnership with the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), has announced the 12 winners of the second cohort of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE). Building on the success of its first cohort, HKH-ICE 2.0 supports entrepreneurs from Bangladesh’s Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bhutan, India’s Himalayan states, and Nepal. The challenge fund, backed by the UK Government, supports and scales climate-resilient enterprises across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable mountain systems. The selected enterprises operate across four priority sectors:  resilient agriculture, water security, sustainable tourism, and community resilience. Their solutions range from scaling high-value climate-smart mountain products to converting urban food waste into vermicompost for climate-resilient farming. The initiative aims to address pressing mountain challenges through locally grounded innovation and scaling solutions through market-based approaches.  “Entrepreneurs in the Hindu Kush Himalaya are uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that are both locally relevant and globally significant,” said Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, on Monday. He said the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs strengthens the region’s innovation and market ecosystem by investing in promising ideas, building entrepreneurial capacities, and fostering cross-border collaboration. "With support from the UK Government, ICIMOD is backing scalable, climate-resilient solutions that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development across the region.”  "Through the HKH-ICE Challenge, we are seeing locally led initiatives bringing forward inspiring and scalable nature-based solutions to address interconnected environmental, livelihood, and economic challenges across the region. I am really encouraged by the creativity, dedication, and leadership reflected in this work. These initiatives are a powerful reminder that lasting change happens when communities shape solutions rooted in their own contexts, knowledge, and lived experiences,” said Jesper Hörnberg, CEO, Global Resilience Partnership. The UK Government remains committed to supporting the entrepreneurs driving climate resilience across the Hindu Kush Himalaya through our Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, said Rob Fenn, UK Ambassador to Nepal. "The ambition on display from this cohort gives us every confidence that locally-led innovation is one of the most powerful tools we have for building a sustainable future for this region,” said Rob Fenn said. Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” the Hindu Kush Himalaya region supports more than 240 million people living in the mountains and provides water, food, and energy for around 1.65 billion people downstream. The region faces accelerating risks from climate change, ecosystem degradation, and water scarcity, threatening agriculture, tourism, and long-term resilience.  According to an ICIMOD estimate published in 2025, the region will require more than USD 12 trillion by 2050 to meet adaptation and mitigation needs. At the same time, the Climate Policy Initiative estimates that 83% of adaptation finance needs in South Asia remain unmet. Limited access to climate and private finance continues to constrain local entrepreneurs seeking to scale green and resilient innovations. The initiative provides tailored mentorship, technical assistance, and regional exposure, helping enterprises strengthen business models, access markets, and attract investment. 

A forum on promoting global ecological civilization was held on Saturday in Dali, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, bringing together more than 200 participants from 16 countries, including China, Germany, Canada and Thailand, for discussions on environmental governance. The event was jointly organised by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, the Yunnan provincial government and the China Public Relations Association. Speaking at the forum, Chang Bo, head of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, said advancing ecological civilisation requires innovation, international cooperation, and stronger sharing of green development ideas. He also stressed the importance of using technology and exchanging governance experience. Phinij Jarusombat, chairman of the Thai-Chinese Cultural & Relationship Council, said China has gained significant experience in areas such as environmental protection, poverty reduction, rural development and renewable energy. He expressed hope for stronger cooperation and more people-to-people exchanges between Thailand and China. Officials said China has made steady progress in building an ecological civilisation. According to this year’s government work report, the country has become a major global contributor to forest growth and now has the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system. Zhang Huaping, an official with China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said China will continue efforts to control pollution, speed up its green and low-carbon transition, encourage public participation, and expand its role in global environmental and climate cooperation.

The Forest Department has imposed a three-month ban on all forms of entry into the Sundarbans from June 1 to August 31 to facilitate the breeding of fish and other aquatic species, conserve biodiversity and ensure the protection of wildlife. During this period, fishing, crab harvesting, honey collection and tourism activities will remain completely suspended across the world's largest mangrove forest. Forest authorities said all permits for entering the Sundarbans have been cancelled and all forest-dependent workers were asked to return from the forest by Sunday evening. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone violating the restriction. According to the Sundarbans Forest Division, June to August is the peak breeding season for fish and various aquatic species in the forest's rivers and canals. The period also allows forest resources to regenerate naturally and enables wildlife to move freely without disturbance. The Forest Department has been enforcing the annual three-month restriction since 2020 and claims the measure has yielded positive results by increasing fish reproduction, protecting biodiversity and improving wildlife conservation. During these three months, the Sundarbans gets a chance to rest from all forms of human activity and disturbance. However, the restriction has caused concern among thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the Sundarbans, including fishermen, honey collectors and other forest-based workers. Many forest-dependent residents have urged the government to provide food assistance and financial support during the ban period. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division, Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said the restriction had been imposed, as in previous years, to promote fish breeding, ensure the free movement of wildlife and allow forest resources to recover. Permission for professional forest users had been suspended a week ago and no tourists would be allowed to enter the Sundarbans during the ban period, he said. "We have been conducting awareness campaigns through loudspeaker announcements in adjacent areas over the past several days. All forest-dependent workers have left the Sundarbans by Sunday evening and currently no professional groups remain inside the forest," he said. The DFO also said a proposal has been sent to the relevant authorities seeking food assistance and incentives for fishermen and other people affected by the temporary closure.

Rising fertilizer prices triggered by the Iran war are forcing farmers across parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America to turn to alternatives such as cow dung, compost and biofertilizers, raising hopes for a shift toward more sustainable farming practices. In Senegal, farmer Abou Sow said he first noticed the impact of the conflict after seeing reports of U.S. strikes on Iran online. Since the war began on Feb. 28, fertilizer prices have risen by about 40%, putting pressure on farmers already struggling with high costs. Sow, however, was ahead of many others. Eight years ago, he stopped using chemical fertilizers and switched to organic compost made from livestock waste and natural materials. He now helps other farmers source manure locally and produce compost, checking soil quality by spotting healthy earthworms. “We cannot wait for a ceasefire,” he said. “Depending on chemical fertilizers is risky.” Experts say the conflict has disrupted global supply chains, including natural gas supplies used to produce fertilizer, particularly after tensions around the Strait of Hormuz affected energy and shipping routes. The Gulf region accounts for around 30% of global fertilizer trade, and international prices have jumped by nearly 50%, according to the World Bank. U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization chief economist Maximo Torero warned that rising costs could seriously affect global food security. Shift toward natural farming Experts say reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers could bring environmental benefits, as their production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Organic alternatives such as compost and manure can improve soil health and reduce pollution, while also helping store carbon in the soil. In Senegal, where the country imports about 125,000 tons of fertilizer annually, farmers say shortages are becoming more visible despite government assurances of supply. Some farmers blame global leaders for rising costs. “War has made everything expensive,” said farmer Aliou Fall. Sow now uses about six tons of compost per year. He benefits from nearby livestock farming, which provides easy access to manure. But he warned that farmers in remote areas face major difficulties in sourcing and transporting organic materials. He also fears that rising costs could force some farmers to abandon their land. Biofertilizers and government response Across Africa, companies are increasingly producing biofertilizers made from bacteria and organic waste, including processed food scraps. Senegal’s government has announced subsidies and distribution of 30,000 tons of organic fertilizer, but farmers say the support remains insufficient. Global subsidies continue to favour chemical fertilizers, making alternatives less competitive, experts say. “You are still incentivising the wrong products,” said food systems expert Susan Chomba. Brazil sees rapid growth in biofertilizers In Brazil, which imports more than 80% of its fertilizer, prices have also jumped sharply since the conflict began. Experts say the biofertilizer sector is expanding quickly, growing by about 15% in the past year as farmers look for cheaper and more resilient alternatives. Agricultural economist Joana Colussi noted that Brazil’s dependence on imports makes it vulnerable to global shocks. India pushes natural farming In India, farmers are increasingly adopting traditional methods such as mixing cow dung, urine and natural ingredients to replace chemical fertilizers. In southern states like Telangana, millions of farmers are shifting toward what is known as natural farming, combining livestock waste, crop diversity and soil-friendly practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a national mission to promote natural farming and reduce fertilizer use by half. India imports about 60% of its fertilizer from the Gulf, making it vulnerable to price shocks linked to regional instability. Agricultural scientist G.V. Ramanjaneyulu said interest in organic methods has grown since the conflict began, although farmers still face a difficult transition period. Experts say switching to natural farming requires more labour and time, but many believe rising global uncertainty could accelerate the shift away from chemical fertilizers.

With an air quality index (AQI) score of 86 at 10:16 am, Dhaka ranked 17th on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality this morning. Dhaka’s air quality was marked as ‘moderate’; thin traffic on the city streets during the Eid holidays can be attributed to that. Uganda’s Kampala, South Africa’s Johannesburg  and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first, second and three spots on the list, with AQI scores of 169, 166 and 157, respectively. An AQI score between 51 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy’, and between 201 and 300 is said to be ‘very unhealthy’, while a reading of 301 and above is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks to residents. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria 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. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly from stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.  

Speakers at a tree plantation programme said there is no alternative to extensive afforestation to protect the environment and tackle the adverse impacts of climate change. They said everyone must become involved in a tree-planting movement from now on to build a habitable and greener planet for future generations. The speakers made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of an upazila-wide programme to plant 5,000 trees, organised by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation at the Kalaroa Government Primary School premises on Friday morning. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Arifuzzaman Mamun, founder and chairman of the Climate Action and Justice Foundation.  The programme was moderated by Alamgir Kabir, assistant director of the Open University and trustee of the foundation. Vice Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh Dr. Mizanur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included former mayor of Kalaroa municipality and joint convener of Satkhira district BNP Akhtarul Islam, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University registrar Sheikh Rezaul Karim, Vice President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Asaduzzaman Milon, government primary school head teacher Mujibur Rahman, Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services Sheikh Faruk Hossain, former student leader Atikuzzaman Ripon, media personality Tanzid Ahmed Shawon, Reporters Club president Mostak Ahmed, BRDB official Jahangir Hossain, and Deputy Registrar of Jashore University of Science and Technology. In his speech, chief guest Dr. Mizanur Rahman said the benefits of the tree plantation programme inaugurated today would be far-reaching. “To save the planet from the devastating impacts of climate change, more and more trees must be planted. Not only the government, but every member of society must come forward to protect the environment. Rising temperatures, natural disasters and air pollution have become major threats for us. There is no alternative to tree plantation to build a habitable world for future generations. A tree not only provides oxygen, it also maintains ecological balance and ensures human safety,” he said. Former Kalaroa mayor and Satkhira district BNP joint convener Akhtarul Islam said Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. “Therefore, a social movement must be built to protect the environment. The initiative taken by the Climate Action and Justice Foundation is highly commendable. It is not enough to plant trees ceremonially; responsibility for their care must also be taken. If every family plants at least a few trees each year, major environmental changes are possible. Young people must be involved in the environmental protection movement. Effective initiatives must begin today for a healthy future for our children,” he said. Founder and chairman of the Climate Action and Justice Foundation Arifuzzaman Mamun said the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe day by day. “The risk of environmental disasters is increasing in various parts of the country, including coastal areas. In this situation, public awareness and social initiatives for environmental protection are very important. Our organisation not only plants trees, but also works on climate justice and environmental awareness. Through today’s programme, 5,000 saplings will be planted across different areas of the upazila. We want the new generation to grow up with environmentally friendly values and come forward to protect nature,” he said. Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University registrar Sheikh Rezaul Karim said agriculture and the environment are deeply interconnected. “Environmental balance is being disrupted due to the reduction of trees, and agricultural production is also being affected. More fruit-bearing, forest and medicinal trees should be planted. In particular, tree plantation programmes in educational institutions will help create awareness among students,” he said. He added that alongside government initiatives, private and social organisations must also come forward to protect the environment. Vice President and CGM of Al-Arafah Islami Bank Asaduzzaman Milon said environmental protection is no longer just a social responsibility, but an essential duty for humanity. “The world is facing multiple crises due to climate change. Therefore, positive initiatives like tree plantation must be expanded further. Corporate institutions should also participate in environmental conservation activities as part of their social responsibility. If environmental awareness can be created among the youth, it will be possible to build a greener and safer Bangladesh in the future,” he said.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked eighth on the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 99. According to the AQI index, the city’s air quality was categorised as ‘Moderate’ at 11:50am. In the topped the pollution list with an AQI score of 156, followed by in with 129 and in with 126. An AQI score ranging from 101 to 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while a reading between 151 and 200 is labelled ‘unhealthy’. AQI values between 201 and 300 are regarded as ‘very unhealthy’, whereas readings above 301 are classified as ‘hazardous’, indicating serious health risks. The AQI serves as a daily measure of air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and the potential health effects associated with it. In Bangladesh, AQI calculations are based on five key pollutants — particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka has been grappling with air pollution for years. The city’s air quality generally deteriorates during winter and improves during the monsoon season. According to the , air pollution is responsible for nearly seven million deaths globally every year, primarily due to stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.