United News of Bangladesh

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday said unnecessary honking must be stopped to control noise pollution, describing it as a long-standing bad habit that needs to be changed through law enforcement and public awareness. She made the remarks while inaugurating a motor rally against honking, jointly organised by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), under the Integrated and Partnership-based Project for Noise Pollution Control. The adviser said the Noise Pollution (Control) Regulations 2025 have already been gazetted, empowering both the DoE and police to take action against noise polluters. She added that several areas in Dhaka have been declared silent zones and monitoring must be strengthened. Identifying unnecessary honking and fireworks as major sources of noise pollution, she said steps would be taken to ensure fireworks are set off only at designated places during Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Environment adviser emphasizes valuing food producers, culinary heritage With the slogan “No more noise pollution, let healthy life prevail”, the rally started from Manik Mia Avenue and ended at the DoE office in Agargaon after passing through Farmgate, Karwan Bazar and Bijoy Sarani. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Director General of the Department of Environment Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Additional Commissioner of DMP Md Sarwar, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman, Project Director of the Noise Pollution Control Project Farid Ahmed, and senior officials of the ministry, DoE and DMP were present at the event. Under the project, mobile courts and awareness campaigns were conducted at 10 important points in Dhaka for 10 days from January 5 to curb noise pollution. The campaign concluded with the motor rally. The campaign was supported by young student volunteers from Green Voice.

Deadly flooding triggered by weeks of torrential rain has claimed more than 100 lives across southern Africa, prompting helicopter rescues, mass evacuations, and warnings of further destruction as more rain is forecast, officials said Friday. The fatalities span South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, where prolonged downpours have overwhelmed rivers, damaged infrastructure, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Meteorological agencies cautioned that continued rainfall could worsen the situation. Mozambique hardest hitMozambique has suffered the greatest impact, with flooding across large areas of its central and southern regions. The country’s disaster management agency reported 103 deaths during an unusually intense rainy season that began late last year. The fatalities include people killed by flooding, lightning strikes, collapsing buildings, and cholera outbreaks linked to the severe weather. According to the World Food Program, more than 200,000 people have been affected nationwide, thousands of homes have been damaged, and tens of thousands may need to be relocated. The crisis has stretched the capacity of one of the region’s poorest nations, already battered by multiple cyclones in recent years. Rising toll in neighboring countriesIn South Africa, authorities said at least 30 people have died in floods affecting two northern provinces, with search-and-rescue operations still underway. Zimbabwe’s disaster agency reported 70 deaths and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes since the start of the year, along with widespread damage to schools, roads, and bridges. Flooding has also been reported in Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia. The U.S. Famine Early Warning System said flood conditions were occurring or anticipated in at least seven countries in southern Africa, potentially linked to the La Niña weather pattern, which often brings heavier rainfall to the region. Military rescue operations in South AfricaSouth Africa deployed its military to assist in rescue efforts, using helicopters to reach people trapped on rooftops and in trees in Limpopo province. The army also evacuated police and border officials stranded at a checkpoint along the Zimbabwe border. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-hit areas on Thursday, saying some districts received nearly 400 millimeters (over 15 inches) of rain in less than a week. In one community, he said, dozens of homes were completely swept away. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba reported that more than 1,000 houses were damaged across the province, many of them destroyed entirely. Significant destruction was also reported in neighboring Mpumalanga province, where roads and bridges collapsed. In Nkomazi Municipality near the Mozambican border, residents worked to salvage their homes while preparing for additional storms. The South African Weather Service issued its highest red-level warning for further severe rainfall and flooding in the area. “These were the worst rains I’ve ever seen here,” said resident Josephina Mashaba. “I’m still afraid they could come back.” Evacuations at Kruger National ParkSevere flooding also affected South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of the world’s largest wildlife reserves. About 600 tourists and park staff were relocated from flooded camps to higher ground after rivers burst their banks. Park authorities closed the reserve to new visitors and said several areas were completely cut off. No injuries or deaths were reported, according to park officials. Growing climate pressuresSouthern Africa has endured a string of extreme weather events in recent years, including powerful cyclones and severe droughts that have intensified food insecurity across the region. The World Food Program said current flooding in Mozambique has submerged more than 70,000 hectares of farmland, including rice and maize crops, further threatening the livelihoods and food supplies of thousands of small-scale farmers.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, topped the list of cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 273 at 8:25am. The air was classified as “very unhealthy”, according to the global air quality and pollution city ranking. An AQI reading between 151 and 200 is considered “unhealthy”, while levels between 201 and 300 are deemed “very unhealthy”. An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as “hazardous”, posing severe health risks to residents. China’s Shanghai and India’s Delhi ranked second and third on the list, with AQI scores of 232 and 216 respectively. The AQI is an index used to report daily air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and the potential health effects associated with exposure. Bangladesh’s AQI is calculated based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, with air quality typically deteriorating during the winter months and improving during the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked fisrt among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 271 at 9:13 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Karachi in Pakistan, and Kolkata in India occupied the second, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 215, 208, 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. Air Quality: Dhaka ranks 2nd worst on Wednesday morning 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.

Waste should no longer be viewed as a problem but rather as a resource, said experts on Wednesday, stressing reduction of raw material use across industries, including the garment sector, to protect the environment Particularly in the garment industry, reducing the use of raw materials and reusing production waste can create new opportunities and business prospects for businesses, they said. For Bangladesh to sustain the growth of its garment sector and other industries, and remain competitive in the global market, they observed that there is no alternative to this approach. This has become even more critical in the context of Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. The views were shared at a training workshop titled “CIRCO Track”, held at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. The workshop was organized to promote the concept of the circular economy among businesses and to highlight the importance of transforming waste into resources within industrial establishments, with a focus on (re) designing existing processes to adhere to circular practices. The workshop was conducted following the internationally recognized CIRCO scientific methodology with the end outcome being an implementable roadmap for their organization. The event was organized by international business consultancy firm LightCastle Partners, with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh. The three-day workshop was formally inaugurated on January 11 by Mohammad Sohel, Director of BGMEA. The closing remarks were delivered by representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherland in Bangladesh’s Economic Affairs department. The closing remarks were delivered by. Tanzila Tajreen, Senior Policy Advisor for Private Sector Development, Economic Affairs from the Dutch Embassy in Bangladesh. Trainers at the workshop included Pieter von Os, Co-founder of CIRCO International, and Nattinee Dora Sae-Ho, Trainer at CIRCO Hub Thailand, among others. Speakers at the event noted that in response to global economic challenges, the European Union (EU) is increasingly moving toward environmentally sustainable production. Ensuring environmental protection at every stage of the production process remains a significant challenge for Bangladesh and other developing countries. The speakers further highlighted that in a highly competitive market, global buyers are increasingly shifting toward the use of recycled materials by 2030. In this context, CIRCO Hub Bangladesh will play a vital supporting role in helping local manufacturers meet international sustainability standards. Organizers stated that officials from 10 companies in the RMG and textile sector participated in the workshop. The participants included representatives from RMG sector SMEs, leading manufacturing firms, ecosystem players and BGMEA. Over the coming months, the Hub will train a total of 60 professionals, two from each of 30 companies representing the business and design sides, through three additional specialized tracks. These participants will be developed as “Circularity Ambassadors” and will help build a strong local ecosystem for innovation and policy advocacy. CIRCO Hub Bangladesh is a strategic platform designed to guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) and textile sectors, toward environmentally sustainable production practices. Based on the academic framework of Delft University of Technology, the methodology is internationally recognized as a distinctive business model and design foundation. Eco-friendly toilet papers gain popularity, but environmental impact varies Under this platform, more than 2,500 companies worldwide are currently being supported. Recently, a roundtable discussion was organized with leading garment industry experts to make circularity more accessible, open, and widely adoptable. In practice, the ready-made garment industry is already producing mattresses and pillows using cut waste (“jhut”), while yarn is now being manufactured from discarded plastic bottles. These initiatives not only ensure business profitability but also significantly reduce waste, generating positive outcomes for both the economy and the environment.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked second worst on the global Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday morning. The city recorded an AQI score of 260 at 8:40am, classifying the air as very unhealthy, according to air quality and pollution city rankings. India’s Delhi topped the list with an AQI score of 299, while China’s Chengdu ranked third with a score of 219. An AQI reading between 101 and 200 indicates an increased likelihood of adverse health effects, particularly for people with heart or lung conditions and other sensitive groups. Higher levels pose greater health risks to the general population. The AQI is used to report daily air quality and indicates how clean or polluted the air is, along with the potential health concerns associated with it. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃). The Department of Environment has set national ambient air quality standards for these pollutants to safeguard public health. Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, has long struggled with severe air pollution. Air quality typically deteriorates during the dry season and improves during the monsoon.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning (January 12, 2026), recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 285 at 9:43 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Read more: Daily Danger in Dhaka: Food, air, water offer residents few safe choices Cairo in Egypt, Chengdu in China, and Delhi in India occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 300, 244, and 241 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 turns `unhealthy for sensitive groups’ 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.

Because of harsh environment in Greenland, lack of key infrastructure and difficult geology have so far prevented anyone from building a mine to extract the sought-after rare earth elements that many high-tech products require. Besides President Donald Trump prevails in his effort to take control of the arctic island, those challenges won’t go away. Trump has made reducing China’s dominance over the global rare earth supply a top priority since the world’s second-largest economy sharply limited access to those materials after the United States imposed broad tariffs last spring. His administration has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into the sector and has even acquired stakes in several companies. Now, the president is suggesting that taking control of Greenland from Denmark could be the answer. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” Trump said Friday. Greenland is unlikely to produce rare earths anytime soon, if at all. Although some companies are exploring its estimated 1.5 million tons of deposits, most projects remain at an early stage. Trump’s interest in the island may be driven more by efforts to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic than by access to rare earths like neodymium and terbium used in advanced technologies. “The fixation on Greenland has always been more about geopolitical posturing — a military-strategic interest and stock-promotion narrative — than a realistic supply solution for the tech sector,” said Tracy Hughes, founder and executive director of the Critical Minerals Institute. “The hype far outstrips the hard science and economics behind these critical minerals.” Trump confirmed those geopolitical concerns at the White House Friday. Read More: Trump threatens to take Greenland by force “We don’t want Russia or China going to Greenland, which if we don’t take Greenland, you can have Russia or China as your next door neighbor. That’s not going to happen,” Trump said A difficult place to build a mine Mining in Greenland faces major hurdles, including extreme remoteness, limited infrastructure, environmental risks, and harsh weather. Rare earths there are locked in complex eudialyte rock with no proven profitable extraction method. While Critical Metals’ shares jumped after plans for a pilot plant, it and other companies remain far from building a mine and would need massive investment. Producing rare earths is a tough business Even the most promising rare earth projects can struggle to be profitable, especially when China floods the market with excess supply to lower prices and push competitors out, a tactic it has used repeatedly. Currently, most critical minerals are still processed in China. The U.S. is rushing to increase rare earth supplies outside China during a one-year easing of stricter restrictions that Trump said Xi Jinping agreed to in October. Several companies worldwide are already producing rare earths or magnets and can bring them to market faster than Greenland, which Trump has threatened to take militarily if Denmark refuses to sell it. “There are very few folks that can rely on a track record for delivering anything in each of these instances, and that obviously should be where we start, and especially in my view if you’re the U.S. government,” said Dunn, whose company is already producing more than 2,000 metric tons of magnets each year at a plant in Texas from elements it gets outside of China.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 4th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 193 at 8:59 am on Saturday. Dhaka’s air was classified as ' unhealthy', according to the air quality and pollution city ranking. Senegal’s Dakar, India's Delhi and Kolkata occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 437, 246 and 206, respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is 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. Dhaka’s air quality continues to be ‘unhealthy’ 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.  

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked 16th among cities with the worst air quality on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 154 at 8:45 am. According to the AQI index, the city’s air was classified as unhealthy. India’s Delhi topped the list with an AQI score of 203, followed by Pakistan’s Lahore at 191 and India’s Kolkata at 188. An AQI score between 50 and 100 is considered moderate, while readings from 101 to 150 are deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores between 150 and 200 are classified as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and 301 or higher as hazardous, posing serious health risks. The AQI is a daily measure used to report air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and the potential health effects associated with exposure. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five 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, with air quality typically deteriorating during the winter months and improving during the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes an estimated seven million deaths worldwide each year, largely due to increased risks of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.