United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 152at 9:19 am this morning. The capital's air was classified as ‘unhealthy’, according to the AQI index. Egypt’s Cairo, Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa and Afghanistan’s Kabul occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 173, 173 and 158 respectively. Dhaka chokes on smog as governments ignore transboundary air pollution crisis An AQI score between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, usually prompting sensitive individuals to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. A score between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 150 to 200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201 to 300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and a reading of 301 or more 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.        

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked first on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 157 at 10:10am this morning (May 23, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy,’ referring to a health threat, according to the AQI index. Though today is weekend with low pressure of vehicles on the city streets, the air quality turned unhealthy.   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. Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, Pakistan’s Lahore and Bahrain’s Manama cities respectively occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 153, 152 and 143 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. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ 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.

No Mow May encourages homeowners to stash the lawn mower each spring and let flowers and grass grow for pollinators and water retention. And if your neighbor's lawn already looks like a wildflower field most of the time, it could be more intentional than passersby might assume. The movement has expanded to “Let It Bloom June” and the fall version: “Leave the leaves.” Conservation and horticulture groups say year-round low-mowing while selectively leaving native plants to grow can save huge amounts of drinking water and lead to lasting and impactful ecological changes. When Amanda Beltranmini Healen moved into her Nashville ranch house in 2016, the yard had been manicured for sale: a walnut tree, roses from a home improvement store and short grass. So she experimented, first with a 10-by-10-foot patch where she dug up the grass and sowed native seeds. Then she planted goldenrods in the culvert near the street, and let more of her yard grow tall without mowing. Local authorities apparently didn't appreciate her natural look: “I got a letter from the city saying that I had to mow it,” she said. But then, a friend told her about No Mow Month signs, provided by the Cumberland River Compact, a local water conservation nonprofit. Soon she was signaling to the city that she's no derelict, but a participant in an international movement. These days, every month is No Mow May in parts of her property. While she keeps the growth shorter near the culvert and street, her backyard is filled with native grasses and plants up to her knees or waist. There's a decomposing tree trunk where scores of skinks and bugs live, birds nest under her carport and she regularly finds fawns sleeping in the safety of the high grasses. Russia comes in from the cold, with flowers blooming around Moscow in January “I have a lot of insects and bugs and that’s protein, so the birds and the bird’s nests are everywhere. Cardinals and wrens and cowbirds and robins,” she said. “I wake up to them, especially during spring migration right now. It’s just a cacophony in the morning and in the evening, especially when the mulberries come in.” The movement is popularized by groups such as Plantlife, a conservation organization based in England. American lawns, based on English and French traditions, are increasingly seen as a wasteful monoculture that encourages an overuse of pesticides, fertilizer and water. Outdoor spraying and irrigation account for over 30% of a U.S. household’s total water consumption, and can be twice that in drier climates, according to the EPA. Some criticize No Mow campaigns as a fad that could invite invasive plants to spread unchecked without helping pollinators much, if only done for a month. A guide outlining No Mow pros, cons and limitations, written by consumer horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil at Iowa State University, says reducing mowing to every two weeks and replacing turf with plants that pollinate all year long can offer more benefits without risking a citation or complaints. The No Mow effort does encourage people to think more about biodiversity in their yards, and many local nature organizations advise provide guidance on picking noninvasive plants that fit each region's climate and precipitation levels. Reducing mowing encourages longer-rooted native grasses and flowers to grow, which breaks up compacted soil and improves drainage, “meaning that when it rains, more water is going to be captured and stored in lawns versus being generated as a runoff and entering into our stormwater system,” said Jason Sprouls, urban waters program manager for the Cumberland River Compact. Beltranmini Healen isn’t just letting just anything grow — she learned which plants are invasive, non-native or not beneficial to the ecosystem and carefully prunes and weeds so the keepers have room to thrive. Nashville homeowner Brandon Griffith said he was just tired of mowing when he decided years ago wait and see what comes up. Then he consciously added flowering plants to attract bees and bugs. Now he sees so many insects and pollinators all over his garden that the neighbors’ kids come over to look for butterflies. Jashore florists expect Tk 100 crore flower sales despite weather setbacks It's about giving them the time "to come out of their larva or their egg stage and be able to grow,” said Griffith. He said he’s never heard a complaint — in fact, some of his neighbors also stopped mowing for a month each spring. His four-year-old son catches lizards, digs for worms and hunts for bugs in the yard. “I just enjoy coming out and walking around,” said Griffith. “And looking at it, it’s kind of peaceful. It’s kinda relaxing.”

Speakers have emphasised the urgent need to place nature at the heart of development strategies. Marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Department of Environment (DoE) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh jointly hosted a high-level discussion on Thursday in Dhaka under the global theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”  The event brought together policymakers, scientists, environmental leaders, and development partners to call for bold, coordinated action to reverse biodiversity loss and integrate nature into national development planning. Attending as the Chief Guest, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, called for stronger governance. She said that environmental laws must be implemented, not ignored. "True environmental leadership comes when all ministries prioritise nature and align policies to protect it,” she added. Govt formulating plans to prevent further damage to rivers: Adviser Rizwana Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative (a.i.), UNDP Bangladesh, said nature is not a luxury, it is life.  "From food security to climate resilience, our future depends on how we restore and protect biodiversity. Through initiatives such as BIOFIN, UNDP is proud to help bridge the biodiversity finance gap and scale nature-based solutions in Bangladesh,” she added.  Stressing the importance of cultural and policy shifts, Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), said, “We cannot undo decades of degradation overnight. But with long-term strategies and sectoral alignment, we can restore ecosystems and build resilience, starting with proper management of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs).” Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, DoE said, "Nature gives us air, water, food, and medicine, yet we continue to degrade it. We must adopt sustainable models that align with nature. Protecting biodiversity is essential for our survival. Nature needs our action—now more than ever." Youth must play active role in environmental protection: Syeda Rizwana Hasan  Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Director, DoE, noted, “Biodiversity is our frontline defence against natural disasters. As ecosystems come under pressure, we must rethink how we use natural resources and act with greater conservation awareness.”  Renowned ecologist Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan urged structural reform. “We need a central Biodiversity Authority under the Biodiversity Act bringing together forestry, fisheries and environmental stakeholders under one umbrella.” Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary (Environment), MoEFCC echoed the need for a dedicated institution for biodiversity conservation. The event featured rich discussions on biodiversity policy, financing, and integration with the Global Biodiversity Framework.  Participants emphasized the importance of public awareness, sectoral coordination, and integrating biodiversity into economic planning. The day concluded with a shared call to action to reimagine development that places nature at its core. Rizwana for developing habit of using cloth, jute bags instead of polythene  

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said on Thursday sustainable development cannot be achieved by greenwashing projects or treating environmental protocols as routine exercises. “We must build systems that respect public participation, access to information, and access to justice,” she said. The adviser said this while addressing an event organised marking the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) 2025 with the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, at the Department of Environment (DoE), Agargaon of Dhaka. Emphasizing sustainability over compliance checklists, she said, “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports are meaningless if they are not written in people’s language or shared with the people. Public voices must not only be heard—they must be acted upon.” Expressing concern over the growing gap between environmentalists and government agencies, the Adviser observed, “There is a tendency to approve development projects without properly addressing environmental concerns. Environment is often treated as an afterthought. That mindset must change.” Govt formulating plans to prevent further damage to rivers: Adviser Rizwana She further said, “I have directed the Department of Environment to make all EIA reports public. People have the right to know. Responding to public complaints is not a favor—it’s our duty. We must act transparently and communicate back to the citizens.” Underscoring the importance of governance reform, Rizwana added, “We must move beyond departmental silos. The vision of environmental protection must be owned by all ministries—not just one.” Referring to environmental degradation in Bangladesh, the Adviser warned, “Our air, rivers, and biodiversity are in peril. Without putting nature at the center of our development model, we cannot move forward.” The workshop was chaired by Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, ndc, Director General, DoE. Among the distinguished speakers were Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary (Environment); Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, renowned wildlife biologist; and Dr. Md. Sohrab Ali, Additional Director General, DoE. Youth must play active role in environmental protection: Syeda Rizwana Hasan The event brought together policymakers, environmentalists, academics, and development partners to reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable development in true harmony with nature.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked sixth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 141 at 9:50am this morning (May 21, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ referring to a health threat, 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, India’s Delhi and United Arab Emirates’ Dubai cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 172, 163 and 160 respectively. Dhaka’s air turns ‘moderate’ this morning 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.

On the eighth annual “World Bee Day,” the bees did not seem bothered. They should be. Bees and other pollinators have been on the decline for years, and experts blame a combination of factors: insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. A significant part of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by bees — not just honeybees, but hundreds of species of lesser-known wild bees, many of which are endangered. In 2018, the U.N. General Assembly sponsored the first “World Bee Day” to bring attention to the bees' plight. Steps as small as planting a pollinator garden or buying raw honey from local farmers were encouraged. May 20 was chosen for “World Bee Day” to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th century pioneer in modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia. In Germany, where bees contribute 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in economic benefits, they’re key to pollinating the iconic yellow rapeseed fields that dominate the countryside in the spring. On Tuesday, around 400,000 bees in urban rooftop hives in the western city of Cologne — where the yellow fields flower — were busy at work making honey. They seemed oblivious to the threats that endanger their survival. Scientists and bee experts like Matthias Roth, chairman of the Cologne Beekeepers Association, hope World Bee Day can raise awareness. Bee House: Where humans and bees live together in Jashore’s Monirampur For Roth, it’s crucial to protect both honey bees — like the ones in his rooftop hives — and wild species. His organization has set up nesting boxes in the hopes of helping solitary bees, which don’t form hives, but Roth fears that it’s not enough. “We must take care of nature,” Roth said Tuesday. “We have become far removed from nature, especially in cities, and we must take care of wild bees in particular.”

The air quality of Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has surprisingly improved with an AQI score of 53 at 9:50am this morning (May 20, 2025). Dhaka ranked fifty-five on the list of cities with the worst air quality and today’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ referring to a light threat, 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. Iraq’s Bagdad, Pakistan’s Lahore and United Arab Emirates’ Dubai cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 229, 186 and 164 respectively. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning 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 Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains at several places in seven divisions of the country including Dhaka in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Monday. “Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with lightning flashes and temporary gusty wind is likely at many places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions, at a few places over Dhaka division and at one or two places over Khulna, Barishal & Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions,” said a Met office bulletin. Day temperature may rise by (1-2)°C over Khulna, Barishaland  Chattogram divisions and it may remain nearly unchanged elsewhere over the country. Rains, thunder showers with lightning likely in all divisions in next 24hr: BMD Night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Country’s highest temperature was recorded at 34.5 degrees Celsius in Iswardi upazila in Rajshahi on Sunday.    

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 54th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 56 at 10:26am this morning (May 19, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ referring to a light health threat, according to the AQI index. However an unhealthy air quality persisted for the past few days in the city. 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. Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, United Arab Emirates's Dubai and India's Delhi cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 744, 181 and 163 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’s air turns ‘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.