United News of Bangladesh

Scientists say the most extreme climate change scenarios once used in global projections are becoming less realistic, with both the worst and best-case futures now largely ruled out, reflecting how global emissions trends have shifted over time. A new set of seven climate scenarios suggests that while the most catastrophic warming outcomes are now less likely due to the gradual rise of renewable energy, the world is also no longer on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious target of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas remain the primary driver of global warming. Although the growing use of cleaner energy sources like solar and wind has reduced the probability of the most extreme warming pathways, scientists say the transition has not been fast enough to prevent significant long-term temperature rise. The updated scenarios replace earlier projections that included both very high-emission futures and highly optimistic pathways. Researchers now say the upper-end projection has been revised downward to about 3.5°C of warming by the end of the century, compared to earlier estimates of around 4.5°C. However, even the most optimistic scenario now exceeds the 1.5°C threshold set in 2015 under the Paris climate accord. Scientists say the planet is currently about 1.3°C warmer than pre-industrial levels and is warming at a rate of roughly 0.1°C every five years. Even small increases, they warn, are intensifying extreme weather, water shortages and biodiversity loss. “There is kind of a narrowing of the futures. It cannot be as bad as we thought, but it cannot be as good as we hoped,” said Johan Rockström of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Researchers say the world is now likely headed toward a “middle” pathway of around 3°C warming by 2100 if current policies continue. Experts also warn that even the best-case scenario would likely see temperatures overshoot 1.5°C for decades before any potential decline, assuming future carbon-removal technologies become viable at scale. “This is just physics,” said climate scientist Bill Hare. “We are losing the ability to limit warming even by two degrees without strong action.” Others stress that exceeding 1.5°C carries serious consequences, particularly for vulnerable nations such as small island states facing rising sea levels. The revision of older high-end scenarios, once widely used in climate research, has also sparked debate. Some scientists argue that extreme coal-heavy projections were never realistic, while others say they were useful as upper-bound possibilities for planning. Despite improvements in renewable energy costs and adoption, scientists caution that emissions are still high enough to lock in significant long-term warming. They also warn that natural climate feedbacks—such as carbon released from oceans, forests and permafrost—could add additional warming beyond human control. “The risks of climate change have not disappeared,” said study author Detlef van Vuuren. “We are still heading towards a future with significant climate impacts that we should avoid.”

Climate change is causing rivers around the world to lose oxygen, putting fish and other aquatic life at risk, according to a new study. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed oxygen levels in more than 21,000 rivers worldwide using satellite data and artificial intelligence. Their findings, published Friday in Science Advances, show that river oxygen levels have fallen by an average of 2.1 percent since 1985. Although the decline appears small, scientists warn that if the trend continues, many rivers could lose enough oxygen by the end of this century to suffocate fish and create so-called “dead zones,” where aquatic life cannot survive. Warmer water naturally holds less oxygen. As global temperatures rise due to human-caused climate change, rivers release more oxygen into the atmosphere, leaving less available for fish and other organisms. The study estimates that rivers worldwide could lose another 4 percent of their oxygen by 2100 if the current pace continues. In some regions, losses could approach 5 percent, which researchers say would have serious consequences for ecosystems and people who depend on rivers. Lead author Qi Guan said prolonged oxygen loss can trigger biodiversity decline, worsening water quality and fish deaths. Scientists are particularly concerned that more dead zones could form, similar to those seen in the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay and Lake Erie. The study identified several hotspots where oxygen loss is expected to be most severe, including India, the eastern United States, the Arctic and much of South America. India’s Ganges River was found to be losing oxygen at more than 20 times the global average earlier this century. Researchers are also worried about tropical rivers such as the Amazon River, where the number of low-oxygen events has increased significantly in recent decades. Besides rising temperatures, the study found that fertilizer runoff, urban pollution, dam construction and changes in river flow are also contributing to oxygen loss. However, nearly 63 percent of the decline is linked directly to warming water. Experts say reducing water pollution is now more important than ever, as climate change makes rivers increasingly vulnerable to severe and long-lasting oxygen shortages.

The Southern Ocean is getting wetter as climate change intensifies, with scientists saying storms are now delivering heavier rainfall, a shift that could have global climate impacts. A new study focusing on remote Macquarie Island located between Tasmania and Antarctica — shows a clear rise in rainfall over recent decades. The island, known for its dense wildlife including elephant seals, king penguins and albatrosses, is also showing visible environmental changes, with boggy terrain expanding and native plant species declining. Researchers say the island’s long-term weather records, among the few in the Southern Ocean region, reveal that annual rainfall has increased by about 28% since 1979, equal to roughly 260 millimetres of extra rain each year. The study, published in ‘Weather and Climate Dynamics’, is based on 45 years of daily observations compared with climate data from the ERA5 system. Scientists found that most of the increase is not due to more storms, but because existing storms are becoming more intense in terms of rainfall. Weather patterns linked to low-pressure systems and warm, moisture-laden air were found to be delivering heavier downpours, while overall storm frequency remained relatively stable. Scientists say the Southern Ocean storm track has gradually shifted closer to Antarctica, influencing rainfall patterns around Macquarie Island. However, they stress that the main driver is stronger moisture content in storms rather than increased storm numbers. The findings also show a gap between observed data and climate models, with ERA5 reanalysis detecting only about an 8% rise in rainfall compared to the 28% recorded on the island. Researchers warn that if similar changes are occurring across the wider Southern Ocean, the consequences could be significant for the global climate system. More rainfall means more freshwater entering the ocean’s surface, which can reduce mixing between water layers and affect ocean currents. The study estimates that by 2023, extra rainfall may have added about 2,300 gigatonnes of freshwater annually across the high-latitude Southern Ocean — far more than recent meltwater from Antarctica. Changes in ocean salinity could also disrupt the movement of carbon and nutrients, potentially affecting one of the world’s largest natural carbon sinks. The study further suggests that increased evaporation is needed to drive the heavier rainfall, meaning the Southern Ocean is losing more heat to the atmosphere — similar to how sweat cools the human body. Researchers estimate the ocean’s heat loss through evaporation has increased by around 10–15% since 1979. They describe the Southern Ocean as effectively “sweating” more as the planet warms. Scientists say Macquarie Island’s data offers a rare and important warning sign, and further research is needed to understand how widespread these changes are across the Southern Ocean and what they could mean for global climate patterns in the future. Source: Science Daily

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Tuesday organised a regional webinar focusing on the growing impacts of climate change on fisheries across South Asia and the need for coordinated adaptation strategies. Titled “Climate Change and Fisheries in South Asia,” the virtual event brought together regional experts and policymakers to discuss emerging risks to marine and freshwater fisheries and explore ways to strengthen climate-resilient fisheries systems. Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to revitalise SAARC process In his welcome remarks, SAC Director Md. Harunur Rashid said climate change is increasingly affecting fisheries and aquatic ecosystems across South Asia, posing new challenges to fish production and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the sector. “Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and changes in water quality are putting additional pressure on fisheries resources,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge sharing and research to build climate-resilient fisheries systems. Among the keynote speakers, BK Das, Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), said climate variability is significantly affecting freshwater fisheries by altering river flows and aquatic habitats. He emphasised the importance of adaptive management practices and sustainable resource use to safeguard inland fisheries in the region. Another speaker, Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor at the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, highlighted the growing vulnerability of marine and coastal fisheries. She said rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting marine ecosystems and fish stocks, underscoring the need for stronger research collaboration and regional knowledge sharing. In his concluding remarks, Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change impacts on fisheries. He noted that fisheries play a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutrition and livelihoods across South Asia and called for enhanced collaboration among SAARC member states to promote sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries management. The webinar was moderated by Md Shariful Islam, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries) at SAC, who highlighted key regional challenges including salinity intrusion in coastal areas, changing hydrological patterns and increasing climate variability. He also emphasised the need for integrated management approaches and coordinated regional action to protect fisheries resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities. The event concluded with an interactive discussion where participants from different SAARC countries shared experiences and perspectives on addressing climate change impacts in the fisheries sector, stressing that climate-smart management and regional cooperation will be essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries in South Asia.

Bangladesh’s hilsa catch is shrinking at an alarming pace as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and shifting river flows disrupt breeding cycles, threatening supplies of the country’s national fish and a key source of income for thousands of fishermen. Researchers warn that without urgent climate adaptation and river management measures, the decline could deepen, posing long-term risks to food security and rural livelihoods. Even during the peak season, rivers across the country are yielding far fewer hilsa, a geographical indication (GI) product and Bangladesh’s national fish, compared to previous years, fishermen say. In Chandpur’s Haimchar upazila, widely known as the hilsa capital, veteran fisherman Asad Hossain, who has been casting nets in the Meghna basin for nearly four decades, said the current season has been disappointing. “During the September-October and March-April peak seasons, my boat would return brimming with silver hilsa. This year, even at the height of the season, the catch has been far from satisfactory,” he said. Subhas Paik from Shahrasti upazila echoed similar concerns, saying that despite fishing throughout the night, catches remain poor. Hilsa supply in Shahrasti and Chandpur Sadar markets has nearly halved compared to previous peak seasons, he added. The same frustration is heard in the southern district of Barishal, particularly along the Gajaria River flowing through Mehendiganj and Hizla upazilas, once considered a prime hilsa zone. Moslem Hawlader, a fisherman from Hizla, said the large-sized hilsa has almost disappeared from the river. “We comply with the government’s fishing bans, but after the restriction period ends, we still fail to get expected catches. Mostly small-sized hilsa are being caught now. Fishermen are getting lower prices while consumers are paying more.” Another fisherman, Abdul Karim, blamed increasing siltation and formation of shoals in the erosion-prone Gajaria River for shrinking fish stocks. According to the latest report of the Department of Fisheries, hilsa production in fiscal year 2024-25 stood at 512,000 metric tonnes, down from 529,000 tonnes in 2023-24 and 571,000 tonnes a year earlier. Although production remained above 550,000 tonnes for three consecutive years since FY2020-21, output has declined by more than 10 percent in recent years. Acknowledging the concern, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said hilsa catch during July-August 2025 dropped by around 45 percent compared to the same period in 2024. “Both natural and man-made factors are responsible for the decline of hilsa in Bangladesh’s rivers.” Farida identified climate change as a major factor, noting that rising sea temperatures have increased salinity, creating an adverse environment for hilsa survival. Hilsa breeding is closely linked to rainfall patterns, she said. “If rainfall does not occur at the right time, hilsa do not migrate upstream to spawn. Due to climate change, reduced and erratic rainfall is negatively affecting reproduction,” she added. Every October, the government enforces a 22-day nationwide ban on fishing in rivers to protect breeding hilsa, aligning the schedule with Ashwini Purnima and new moon phases based on rainfall patterns. However, shifting rainfall timing due to climate change may be undermining the effectiveness of the existing schedule. “We need further research. The traditional ban period may no longer be producing the desired results. Climate change may have altered the breeding cycle of hilsa,” the adviser said. Professor Harunur Rashid of Fisheries Management at Bangladesh Agricultural University said the current extraction rate is unsustainable. “In the present situation, annual hilsa harvest should not exceed 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes. But more than 500,000 tonnes are being caught every year. Monitoring exists in rivers, but there is almost no effective monitoring in the sea. Many hilsa are caught before they can migrate upstream to spawn.” He also warned that excessive catching of immature hilsa is accelerating biological changes, causing the fish to mature and reproduce at smaller sizes. According to the National River Conservation Commission, 308 out of Bangladesh’s 1,008 flowing rivers have already lost navigability, while around 90 percent face navigability stress. The situation is particularly severe in rivers surrounding Dhaka and adjacent districts, where industrial encroachment and untreated effluents are polluting waterways that eventually connect to the Meghna. “Industrial waste flows into rivers and eventually mixes with the Meghna. At the same time, transboundary river issues are reducing timely freshwater flow. These factors directly impact hilsa production,” Harunur Rashid said. Siltation and newly formed shoals are also obstructing hilsa migration routes from the sea into rivers for spawning, experts noted. Molla Imdadulla, Project Director of the Hilsa Development and Management Project under the Department of Fisheries, said rapid siltation has made river navigation increasingly difficult. “In places where there were no shoals a few months ago, new shoals have formed. If speedboats struggle to move, how will hilsa breed?” He also pointed to illegal nets and inadequate manpower for monitoring, particularly in marine areas. Many fishermen, burdened by informal loans, continue excessive harvesting despite regulations. Kazi Ahsan Habib, Chairman of Fisheries Biology and Genetics at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, warned that prolonged ecological degradation could eventually alter hilsa migration patterns. “Hilsa traditionally return to the same rivers to spawn. But if they repeatedly fail to access suitable breeding grounds, future generations may not consider these rivers suitable.” Besides Bangladesh’s Padma-Meghna system, he said, hilsa are also found in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy, Pakistan’s Indus, India’s Hooghly and parts of the Persian Gulf. Bangladesh currently receives the lion’s share due to its favorable ecological conditions. No approval yet for indoor, artificial hilsa farming: Ministry “If this environment continues to deteriorate, hilsa that once migrated to Bangladesh may eventually shift towards other river systems,” Habib warned. Muhammad Kamruzzaman, Deputy Chief of the Hilsa Management Section at the Department of Fisheries, said authorities are working continuously to protect hilsa resources despite existing challenges, expressing hope for improvement in the coming years. Experts, however, caution that without coordinated action addressing climate change impacts, overfishing, pollution, siltation, river encroachment and altered rainfall patterns, Bangladesh’s once-abundant hilsa may gradually become scarce.

As floodwaters repeatedly inundate homes in the haor basin and drought tightens its grip on the high Barind survival for millions in rural Bangladesh has become an annual test of endurance. Climate change has turned once-predictable seasons into cycles of uncertainty—washing away crops in one region while parching fields in another. Against this backdrop, the government has approved a Tk 1,268.80 crore Climate Resilient and Livelihood Enhancement Project (CRALEP), aiming to reduce poverty and strengthen climate resilience among vulnerable communities living in flood-prone haor and drought-prone high Barind areas. The project, to be implemented from January 2026 to December 2030, will be executed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under the Local Government Division. It will cover 33 upazilas in eight districts in Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rajshahi divisions. The project is jointly funded by the government, international lenders and development partners. Idle machines, rising waters: A losing battle to protect Noluar Haor Of the total project cost, Tk 305 crore will come from the government, Tk 854 crore as a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Tk 109.80 crore as a grant from Denmark’s development agency, DANIDA. Officials involved in the project say CRALEP aligns with national development plans and climate strategies, placing particular emphasis on resilient infrastructure, food security and livelihood diversification at a time when climate-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. The project seeks to address poverty not as an isolated economic issue, but as a consequence of repeated climate shocks. In the haor areas, early floods often destroy standing boro crops, while in the Barind tract, prolonged dry spells undermine agricultural productivity and household incomes. To improve connectivity and market access, CRALEP will construct or upgrade 334 kilometres of rural roads—141 kilometres in haor regions and 193 kilometres in Barind areas. Another 58 rural markets will be developed or rehabilitated, alongside the construction of 34 ghats to support water-based transport in flood-prone zones. The project also places strong emphasis on livelihoods. Vocational training will be provided to 40,000 youths, while 20,150 youths will receive entrepreneurship training to encourage self-employment. Besides, nearly 3,000 members of Labour Contracting Societies will receive sustainable livelihood support. Recognising the acute vulnerability of haor settlements during monsoon floods, the project includes the provision of internal village services in 320 haor villages. These include walkways, toilet blocks and tube-wells, along with the construction of 72 kilas—raised platforms used for temporary crop storage and shelter during floods. Further interventions include the construction of 72 kilometres of internal walkways, installation of 480 toilets and 720 tube-wells in haor regions, and ecosystem-based village protection measures in 280 haor villages as part of nature-based solutions to disaster risk. Illegal topsoil extraction threatens ‘Gaillar Haor’, croplands in Sunamganj A senior Planning Commission official said the project would make a meaningful contribution to safeguarding development gains in some of the country’s most climate-exposed regions. “Once implemented, the project will help reduce poverty, enhance climate resilience and address disaster-related challenges in flood-prone haor and drought-prone high Barind areas,” the official said, adding that it would also promote diversified and sustainable livelihoods and improve overall community wellbeing. Bangladesh, one of the world’s fastest-growing developing economies, remains among the countries most exposed to climate change. Recurrent flooding, erratic rainfall and rising temperatures continue to threaten rural livelihoods and infrastructure.

Bangladesh called on global leaders at the COP30 climate summit to deliver survival-centered, justice-driven climate finance for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), warning that millions already face irreversible losses from a crisis they did not cause. ​Farida Akhter, Adviser for Fisheries and Livestock and head of the Bangladesh delegation, told a high-level ministerial dialogue on Saturday (November 15) that climate finance for LDCs must be predictable, grant-based, and rooted in justice to match the scale of the devastation in vulnerable nations. ​Speaking on behalf of the LDC Group at the summit in Belém, Brazil, Farida emphasised that the world's poorest communities are already experiencing severe climate impacts, including: ​1. Rising seas and salinity ​2. Coastal erosion ​3. Destructive cyclones ​Farida said Bangladesh’s presence at COP30 was not to repeat "old grievances" but to push for concrete solutions. ​At a briefing later at the Bangladesh Pavilion, Farida highlighted climate-driven threats to the country’s iconic Hilsha fish. Climate protesters march on COP30 in Brazil, demanding action Shifting river patterns and habitat degradation are endangering the species, which is vital to Bangladesh's economy and culture. ​The delegation also pressed for critical policy shifts, including: ​1. Closing gender gaps in climate policy. 2. Recognising and ensuring women’s leadership and full participation in negotiations and national plans. ​Farida also praised the strong presence of youth leadership within the national delegation, crediting young negotiators with bringing "clarity, courage and new energy" to global climate diplomacy. COP30 climate summit opens in Brazil’s Belem to renew global focus on climate action ​As talks intensify, Bangladesh reiterated that the credibility of the global climate process now depends on whether historically responsible nations step up with real commitments and adequate finance under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).

Farmers in the northern district of Naogaon are struggling with fresh uncertainty as unseasonal rain, triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has damaged prepared seedbeds for early winter vegetables and partially ripe Aman paddy. Potato fields, in particular, have been affected, causing concern among growers hoping to recover losses from last year. Agriculture officials said stagnant water in the fields has raised fears of widespread damage to newly planted potato seeds, transplanted Aman paddy and early winter vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, chili, eggplant and radish. Many plants, they said, are lying flattened in waterlogged fields across several upazilas. Read more: Polyshade tomato farming reviving Narail’s rural economy According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Aman has been cultivated on 193,000 hectares this year, while early winter vegetables cover 1,845 hectares. Potato cultivation is targeted on 21,000 hectares. A field visit revealed that farmlands prepared for potato cultivation or recently sown are submerged, forcing farmers to focus on draining the water to save their crops. Farmers also fear delays in planting on fallow lands that remain waterlogged and excess moisture has already caused root rot in some vegetables. Zainal, a farmer from Kalikapur Dangapara in Atrai upazila, expressed his worries, saying, “Last year I suffered a big loss from potato farming; hence I planted early this year in hopes of a better price. But now rainwater has submerged the field and I fear the seeds may not sprout properly. I don’t know what to do.” Sharing a similar experience, Ashraf Hossain from Varsho village in Manda upazila said, “Early potato farming is always risky, but I wanted to try since others were doing it. I planted on one bigha of land, but the sudden rain has filled the field with water.” Read more: Hidden hands in the fields: Dealers blamed for artificial fertiliser shortage in north Ratan Mollah of Barshail in Sadar upazila said, “I just finished planting potato seeds when the rain began. It’s still drizzling, and the soil remains soaked. Potato seeds rot easily if they stay wet. I’m worried most of my field will be damaged.” Meanwhile, Susheel Mistri of Hapania reported that his Aman paddy, which was ripening, had been flattened by rain and gusty winds. Vegetable grower Indri Mia from Kirtipur said, “The rain over the past few days has caused rot at the base of my cauliflower and other vegetable plants.” Downplaying the extent of the damage, DAE Deputy Director Homayra Mondal said, “Although it rained, it wasn’t a heavy downpour. Potato planting has just started and the newly planted seeds may face minor setbacks, but fields planted eight to ten days ago will likely remain safe. The rainfall is even beneficial for Aman. If the water drains quickly, there won’t be any major problem.” Read more: Rain pushes green chilli price to Tk 300 per kg, almost all vegetable prices upward As farmers race against time to salvage their crops, the unseasonal rainfall has once again highlighted the vulnerability of early winter cultivation to unpredictable weather.

October 2025 emerged as the deadliest month for dengue fever in Bangladesh this year, claiming 80 lives and recording the highest number of cases, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The DGHS data shows that the country logged 2,250 dengue cases in October alone , the highest monthly total of the year, reflecting a worrying surge of the mosquito-borne disease that has become a recurring public health threat. The health authorities logged 76 Dengue deaths in September, 41 in July and 39 in August. The death toll reached 278 in 10 months till October. No death from dengue reported for second consecutive day Meanwhile, 506 new dengue cases were reported in 24 hours on Friday, raising the number of confirmed cases to 69,862 this year. DGHS Director General Prof Dr Md. Abu Jafor said the number of dengue infections is higher than last year but the death rate is lower. He came up with this information at a press briefing held on October 9. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. Dengue: Two more die; 762 hospitalised Of the total fatalities this year, 134 were reported under Dhaka South City Corporation, 41 under Dhaka North City Corporation, 40 in Barishal division, 25 in Chattogram division, 12 in Mymensingh division, eight in Khulna, three in Dhaka division (outside city corporation areas), and one in Sylhet division. Over the first ten months of 2025, Barishal City Corporation recorded the highest 17,224 dengue cases, followed by Dhaka division (outside city areas) with 11,548, Chattogram division 10,092, Dhaka South City Corporation 10,192, Dhaka North City Corporation 9,112, Khulna 3,543, Mymensingh 2,203, Rajshahi 4,298, Rangpur 794, and Sylhet 239. Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has turned into an endemic disease in Bangladesh in recent years. Health experts attribute this growing menace to the impacts of climate change, which have made the country’s environment increasingly favourable for the breeding and survival of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Read more: How to Protect Babies and Children from Dengue Fever Erratic rainfall, prolonged monsoon seasons, waterlogging, and rising temperatures have expanded mosquito habitats, leading to more frequent and intense outbreaks. Experts also warn that traditional control measures such as fogging and larvicide use may no longer be sufficient as mosquito behaviour and breeding patterns are evolving. They stress the need for rigorous scientific research to understand how climate change is influencing the life cycle and reproductive behaviour of Aedes mosquitoes. This, they say, is essential to develop effective strategies for prevention and containment, especially as dengue continues to strain public health resources each year. Bangladesh saw its worst dengue outbreak in 2023, when the disease claimed over 1,700 lives — the highest toll since record-keeping began. Public health authorities fear the disease could become a year-round threat if urgent, coordinated action is not taken. Read more: Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever

The western district of Chuadanga has been reeling from the escalating impacts of climate change, with farmers suffering losses worth ‘hundreds of crores of taka’ over the past five years. Prolonged droughts, devastating storms and extreme cold spells have battered agriculture, livestock and fisheries, leaving thousands of families struggling to survive. “Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far reaching. As we see in Bangladesh that the rising temperature is affecting our health and productivity, and the country’s prosperity,” said Jean Pesme, The World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. Between April and June each year, temperatures now frequently soar between 36°C and 40°C, scorching farmlands and reducing yields. Winters, on the other hand, have become unusually harsh, with temperatures plunging to record lows, compounding the stress on crops and livestock. Worsening Climate Disasters Chuadanga’s agricultural sector has been particularly hard-hit by repeated bouts of drought, storms and irregular rainfall. Major crops such as Boro paddy, wheat, maize, winter vegetables, tobacco, onions, bananas, papaya, betel leaves and fruit orchards have suffered extensive damage, with many farmers unable to recover before the next calamity strikes. Disaster Preparedness: Govt to construct 90 three-storey cyclone shelters  in 12 districts Field surveys conducted by non-governmental organisations, including Wave Foundation and Riso, indicate that the scale of devastation may be far greater than official figures suggest. Their studies estimate that climate change is causing annual agricultural losses amounting to between Tk 200 crore and Tk 300 crore in the district. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has reported significant losses over the last five years, with 2022 emerging as the most catastrophic year.