Category: Environment

Water levels have risen at 39 river stations monitored by Bangladesh’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), while levels fell at 67 stations. All 110 monitored stations are flowing above the danger level. The Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Padma rivers are in a falling trend, while the Manu, Someswari, and Bhugai rivers in the northeast are rising. Significant rainfall was recorded in several districts over the last 24 hours, with the highest of 135mm in Sylhet. Neighbouring Indian states like West Bengal and Assam also saw heavy rains. FILE PHOTO: Teesta river

The once-vibrant Bangshi River in Jamalpur is slowly dying due to illegal encroachment, pollution, and unchecked siltation. The 3-km stretch within Jamalpur municipality has shrunk to a 3-meter-wide canal before merging with the Brahmaputra. Despite efforts by authorities to demarcate and excavate the river, residents continue dumping garbage, causing waterlogging and foul odors. While locals urge the municipality to clean up the river, the mayor blames the residents for its plight and calls for raising awareness against dumping waste.

A rare feather duster worm was spotted around 12 feet deep in the Bay of Bengal near Saint Martin’s Island. These filter-feeding marine worms, with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, play a vital role by consuming plankton and detritus, helping maintain marine ecosystem health. However, their habitats like mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs face threats from human activities and pollution, endangering the survival of these ancient creatures. Photo: Sharif Sarwar

Soil degradation in Bangladesh is occurring at an alarming rate, threatening food security. Every year, around 270 sq km of cultivable land loses its fertility due to deforestation, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, industrial pollution, and improper waste disposal. Experts warn that if immediate actions are not taken, Bangladesh may lose all its arable land within 63 years, jeopardizing the country’s agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Photo: Reuters

A massive landslide in the remote village of Kaokalam, northern Papua New Guinea, has reportedly killed around 100 people. Residents are recovering bodies from the debris, which includes rocks, trees, and rubble left by the early morning landslide. The incident has also impacted operations at the nearby Porgera gold mine operated by Barrick Gold and Zijin Mining. Official details remain scarce as authorities have yet to respond. Photo: AFP

A rights organization, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), has filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking directives to the government to stop cutting trees across the country, including Dhaka, to protect the environment. The petition argues that decreasing vegetation is adversely impacting living conditions and violating the right to decent living amid rising temperatures. It also contends that continued deforestation will severely damage Bangladesh’s environment and people’s right to live.

Farmers in Patuakhali are worried the ongoing month-long heatwave will severely impact crop production, including Boro paddy, mung beans, groundnut, and other Rabi crops. They report reduced yields, small grain sizes, and lack of irrigation water due to dried up canals. The Department of Agricultural Extension fears at least a 10% loss in Boro paddy yield due to heat stress and warns of adverse effects on other crops, underlining the need for renovating natural reservoirs.  Photo: Sheikh Nasira