United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 248 at 8:11 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Dakar in Senegal, Doha in Qatar, and Cairo in Egypt occupied the first, second, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 380, 254, and 246 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. Air pollution: Dhaka 5th worst city in the world today 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, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 282 at 8:18 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Delhi in India, Kolkata in India and Karachi in Pakistan occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 326, 193, and 176 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. Dhaka ranks second globally for air pollution with AQI at 288 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. 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 Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 288 at 9:20 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, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 306, 234, and 219 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 ranks second globally for air pollution with AQI at 254 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.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the historic and landslide victory of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), noting that the Bangladesh government looks forward to working closely with her administration to strengthen Dhaka-Tokyo partnership further. “The government of Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with your administration to further strengthen our partnership, deepen economic and technological cooperation, and advance our shared priorities for mutual benefit,” he said in a message to Takaichi. Takaichi’s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in parliamentary elections. Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus The landslide victory was due, in large part, to the extraordinary popularity of Japan’s first female prime minister, and allowed her to pursue a significant conservative shift in Japan’s security, immigration and other policies. “On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest congratulations on the historic and landslide victory of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) under your leadership in the election to the House of Representatives held on 8 February 2026,” Prof Yunus said. He said this decisive mandate reflects the strong confidence and trust placed in her leadership and vision by the people of Japan. “I am confident that, under your continued stewardship, Japan will further advance stability, prosperity, and constructive engagement both regionally and globally,” Prof Yunus said. He said Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its long-standing and trusted partnership with Japan. “We remain deeply appreciative of Japan's consistent support for Bangladesh's development, including our cooperation in quality infrastructure and connectivity, which has made a lasting contribution to our people and economy,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus conveyed her best wishes for her good health and success, and for the continued peace, progress, and well-being of the people of Japan. Spain’s deadly train crash saddens Prof Yunus

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 254 at 9:17 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India, and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 282, 225, and 200 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. Unhealthy air puts Dhaka third on global pollution list 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.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday promised that his party, if elected, would transform Dhaka into a ‘safe city’ and construct at least 40 playgrounds across the capital. “My party, InshaAllah, if elected with your votes and the votes of the people of this country, will transform the cities across the country, including Dhaka, into a safe city,” he said. While addressing a roadside rally in ECB Chattar area of Mirpur in Dhaka-17 at around 3:45 pm on the first day of his final election campaign in the city, Tarique also said his party will work to turn Dhaka into a liveable city where people can move freely and securely. Tarique vows quick implementation of Teesta Master Plan if BNP forms govt “It will be made a city where mothers and sisters can walk freely and safely at any time, where people can live securely, carry out their businesses and jobs without fear. We want to build Dhaka into a beautiful city where the residents can breathe freely,” he observed. Referring to the shortage of playgrounds in the area, the BNP chairman said he has been informed that there were no adequate playfields in the locality. “InshaAllah, if BNP forms the government on February 12 with your prayers and the blessings of Allah, we will not only build playgrounds here but will construct at least 40 playgrounds across Dhaka,” he said. Tarique said the playgrounds will allow the children to play in open spaces and the elders and women to walk and spend time outdoors when needed. He also sought votes across the country for the BNP’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy, saying the election is crucial for rebuilding the nation. Introducing himself to voters, he said he is the BNP candidate from Dhaka-17 and a son of the area. “I grew up here from my childhood. My children and my brother’s children were born here, and we also got married here. Our family life is deeply rooted in this area,” he said. As a local resident and a son of the area, Tarique appealed to the elders, women and young voters of the constituency to support him by voting for the sheaf of paddy in the February 12 election. The BNP chief also pledged to develop the road from ECB Chattar to Jasimuddin area to ease communication problems for local residents. After concluding the roadside rally, Tarique Rahman left for another campaign rally at Adarsha High School in Senpara, Mirpur-10 area. He is also scheduled to address election rallies in Pallabi’s Lalmath under Dhaka-16, Mirpur under Dhaka-15, the National Bangla High School ground opposite Mirpur Model Thana under Dhaka-14, Shyamoli Club ground under Dhaka-13, and Satarkul area of Badda under Dhaka-11. BNP unveils election manifesto with nine pledges, prioritising graft elimination, rule of law, accountability

Muggers snatched Tk 90,000 stabbing a transport worker near Sheikh Kamal School on Khondkar road at Shympur in Dhaka on Tuesday. The victim is  Golam Kibria, 45, a staff member of Borak Transport’s Bangsal branch.  Witnesses said when he was returning home by rickshaw three people stopped him in front of the school and  snatched  Tk 90,000 and a mobile phone stabbing on his left hand. 3 arrested for staging robbery to steal expat’s Tk 10 Lakh Kibria was initially treated at a local hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department. Inspector Md Faruk, Officer-in-Charge of Dhaka Medical Police Camp said Shyampur police have been informed and an investigation is ongoing.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked fist among the world’s most polluted cities on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 275 at 11:19 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Kinshasa in Congo, Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia, and Lahore in Pakistan occupied the second, thirtd, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 246, 217, and 209 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.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday called for an early start to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union, stressing the need for safeguarding Bangladesh’s trade preferences in its largest export market once the current duty-free access expires in the coming years. The Chief Adviser made the remarks during a courtesy call by Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham), at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller took part in the meeting. During the discussion, they discussed the need to accelerate European investment in Bangladesh, how to ensure smooth trade relations between Bangladesh and the EU, and the need for further reforms to improve the country’s business climate, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. They also discussed the upcoming elections and the deployment of international observers to monitor the polls. Prof Yunus said the interim government has recently concluded an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, paving the way for duty-free access for more than 7,300 Bangladeshi products to the world’s fourth-largest economy. He said that Bangladesh is preparing to hold similar negotiations with other countries, including the European Union, to ensure continued duty-free access for its products, particularly ready-made garments, to the EU market for the foreseeable future. “The EPA with Japan has opened doors for us. It gives renewed hope to our export items. We definitely hope to sign an FTA with the EU to expand our market,” the Chief Adviser said. EuroCham Chairperson Nuria Lopez said Bangladesh needs to begin FTA negotiations urgently, as the country may lose its existing trade preferences in the EU, its largest export destination, after graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. She said that an FTA would attract more European investment to Bangladesh, create jobs and boost exports to advanced Western markets. Lopez pointed out that India is signing an FTA with the EU, while Vietnam already has such an agreement, allowing both middle-income countries preferential access to the European market. “We are advocating for an FTA. I will go to Europe to encourage private companies to invest in Bangladesh,” she said. EU Ambassador Michael Miller said that the commercial relationship with Bangladesh will evolve after graduation but not before 2029. He underlined the EU’s strong interest to bring European investment and technology to the country, an important market with a population of nearly 200 million, and spoke about the EU readiness to organise an EU/Bangladesh Business Forum in 2026. “We are looking for early political signals that EU companies will be encouraged to come and will enjoy a level playing field,” he said. The Chief Adviser also emphasised the relocation of factories to Bangladesh, noting that European firms can take advantage of the country’s large pool of skilled labour at competitive costs. “We are building a free trade zone. Our aim is to turn Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub for global businesses. We want more European investment in Bangladesh,” he said. Prof Yunus expressed satisfaction over the EU’s decision to deploy a large contingent of election observers to Bangladesh for the upcoming general elections and referendum. “It is important that EU election observers are here. It is a huge vote of confidence in revitalising our democracy,” he said, adding that the overall picture of the election campaign was ‘very positive’. Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary of the government, was also present at the meeting.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Friday morning. At 8:22 am, Dhaka recorded an air quality index (AQI) score of 190 and classified it as ‘unhealthy’ as reported by IQAir. Delhi in India, Kuwait City in Kuwait, and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 194, 186, and 181 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. Air quality worsens as Dhaka tops global pollution ranking 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. Dhaka’s air continues to be ‘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.