United News of Bangladesh

Ahead of the FY2026–27 national budget, policymakers, researchers and public health experts on Saturday called for urgent reforms to Bangladesh's climate-health financing system, warning that budget allocations for the sector have declined despite growing climate-related health risks across the country. The call came at a high-level policy dialogue titled “Climate-Responsive Health Financing and Health System Resilience in Bangladesh,” organised by the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) in collaboration with HEKS/EPER and Shushilan at BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka. Bangladesh seeks regional cooperation to address impacts of climate change Findings presented at the event showed that climate-relevant allocations within the Health Services Division fell from 2.74 percent of its total budget in FY2021-22 to 1.97 percent in FY2025-26. Health's share of the national climate budget also declined during the same period, dropping from about 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent, even as Bangladesh faces increasing exposure to climate-induced health threats. According to the study, less than one percent of financing from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) has been allocated to health-related projects. Of the 877 projects funded through the trust fund as of 2024, only three were implemented through the Health Services Division. The study also highlighted major structural weaknesses in climate-health financing. While Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 identifies health as a key adaptation priority and the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) estimates that approximately USD 1.4 billion will be needed over the next five years to build climate-resilient health systems, current financing remains heavily project-oriented. More than 60 percent of climate-health expenditure is concentrated in development projects, while critical investments in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, workforce capacity, climate-health research, and long-term health system resilience continue to receive limited attention. The findings suggested a persistent gap between national climate-health ambitions and the financing mechanisms needed to implement them. The event also featured findings from CPRD's study titled “Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on the Reproductive Health of Coastal Women and Adolescent Girls.” The study documents serious reproductive and maternal health challenges among women in coastal areas, linked to climate-induced poverty, water scarcity, salinity intrusion, and inadequate sanitation services. Women participating in the study reported a wide range of reproductive health complications, including irregular menstruation, severe menstrual pain, amenorrhea, abnormal bleeding, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, postpartum infections, hemorrhage, and chronic reproductive health conditions. Discussants noted that these health impacts are no longer isolated public health concerns but represent a growing climate adaptation challenge requiring dedicated financing, stronger institutions, and improved coordination across government agencies. The dialogue brought together senior government officials, public health experts, researchers, development partners, civil society representatives, academics, climate specialists, and media professionals. The session was facilitated by Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive of CPRD. He noted, “Climate finance remains a hazy space. To attract global attention and financing, quantitative evidence is essential. However, in climate-health discussions, the focus often remains limited to ensuring safe drinking water. We need to broaden that focus to ensure access to quality water for all aspects of daily life.” Shah Abdul Saadi, Deputy Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), emphasized that establishing a strong climate rationale is crucial for claiming and mobilizing international climate finance. He noted that as global public finance for adaptation has declined by USD 2 billion in a single year, Bangladesh's climate budget tagging system needs clearer definitions and stronger sectoral ownership. Prof. Dr. Md. Iqbal Kabir, Director, Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit (CCHPU), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, observed, “Only 5 percent of global climate finance reaches the health sector, demonstrating that climate-health remains neglected globally, not only in Bangladesh. The scarcity of relevant data is also limiting our ability to develop stronger funding proposals and formulate evidence-based, data-driven policies.” AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary and UN Wing Chief, Economic Relations Division (ERD), emphasized that climate change has not yet been fully mainstreamed into development planning, resulting in fragmented initiatives. He stressed that climate research should be expanded beyond coastal areas to include other vulnerable regions of the country. He further highlighted the need for stronger data generation and improved climate literacy, noting that significant gaps remain in both areas. He also underscored the importance of creating a virtual platform to facilitate rapid access to information and collaboration opportunities. Given the decline in global climate finance and the likelihood of further reductions in the coming years, he called for maximizing the effective utilization of available resources and funding. He urged “The loss and damages related to health must be counted as economic one. That will enable us generating cost investments plan for accessing global climate funds.” The dialogue concluded with a set of policy recommendations for the FY2026–27 National Budget, including stronger integration of Health National Adaptation Plan priorities into national budgeting processes, improved climate-budget tracking systems, increased recurrent financing for preparedness and surveillance, and expanded access to domestic climate finance for health-led adaptation initiatives.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Friday emphasised the need to work together to address the impacts of climate change on mountains and communities dependent on them and called for regional cooperation for climate action. He also commended the role of mountaineers in promoting environmental awareness, building friendship, and strengthening people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Nepal. The Environment Minister was speaking at a programme as the chief guest in the evening. Nature shows the way #NowForClimate To commemorate the 73rd International Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Day, the Embassy of Nepal organised the ‘Expedition Video Contest’ under the theme ‘Mountains, Milestones, and Memories’, with the support of Bangla Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC), in Dhaka. A total of 16 expeditioners representing various mountaineering and trekking clubs across Bangladesh participated in the Expedition Video Contest, sharing inspiring stories and experiences through their short videos.

Due to global climate change, Bangladesh, especially coastal areas, is increasingly experiencing irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, excessive rainfall, waterlogging, and rising salinity. In this context, canals, wetlands, rivers, ponds, and other natural water bodies are vital nature-based solutions for strengthening resilience. But widespread illegal encroachment and land filling are destroying these ecosystems, disrupting natural water flow, and reducing the capacity to store rainwater. Heat wave may ease in parts of Bangladesh: BMD As a result, dependence on groundwater is increasing rapidly, while unregulated extraction through deep tube wells for agricultural irrigation and industrial use is accelerating depletion. Consequently, groundwater levels are falling at an alarming rate, many tube wells are becoming non-functional, and safe drinking water scarcity—particularly in coastal areas—is becoming increasingly severe. The speakers call for the eviction of all illegal encroachments from natural water bodies, strict enforcement of environmental and land-use laws, and full restoration of natural water flows. They also urge the government to implement a coordinated national program that prioritizes nature-based solutions, including the protection and rehabilitation of rivers, canals, wetlands, government ponds, and other open water systems. In addition, speakers emphasize large-scale promotion of rainwater harvesting, revival of water retention systems, and sustainable groundwater management to reduce dependency on deep tube wells. Today, 5 June 2026, marking World Environment Day 2026, a human chain organized by COAST Foundation was held in front of the Bhola District Press Club. During the program, speakers presented a set of demands related to environmental protection and climate justice. Representatives from civil society, women leaders, journalists, students, youth representatives, and people from various professions participated in the human chain. M.A. Hasan, Head of Climate Change of COAST Foundation, moderated the event. Among others, speeches were delivered by Nayemat Ullah, District Correspondent of Prothom Alo; Md. Taslim, General Secretary of Bhola District Krishak Dal; women leader Nurjahan Nila; Advocate Kamal Uddin Sultan; Harunur Rashid Shimul, District Correspondent of Daily Bangladesh Alo; Sumaiya Akhter of BD Clean; and Razib Ghosh from the COAST Climate Resilience Project. M.A. Hasan of COAST Foundation emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing environmental challenges. He called for the recovery of illegally occupied rivers, canals, and ponds, and urged measures to prevent further encroachment. He also stressed the need to excavate and conserve water bodies to enhance rainwater storage, ensure safe drinking water, recharge groundwater, and maintain ecological balance. Neyamat Ullah, District Correspondent of Prothom Alo, said that illegal sand extraction is one of the main causes of the degradation and filling of open water bodies. He urged the administration to take strict measures against this practice and noted that the declining groundwater level in the region has become a serious environmental concern. He warned that unless surface water conservation systems are strengthened, it will be difficult to avoid a future crisis in ensuring the availability of safe drinking water. Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Member Secretary of “Amra Bhola Bashi,” said that trees are being cut indiscriminately and supplied to local brick kilns as fuel. However, no effective action has been taken by the Department of Environment or the administration to address the issue. He warned that if such unchecked deforestation continues, it will be impossible to maintain ecological balance and protect the environment. Harunur Rashid Shimul, District Correspondent of Daily Bangladesh Alo, said that canals in Bhola town have been encroached upon and filled for tourism projects, while many government ponds are already occupied and others are at risk. He urged authorities to take swift action to recover and protect these water bodies, which are vital for rainwater conservation. Nurjahan Nila, women leader, said that people living around brick kilns are suffering from various serious diseases, including lung cancer and heart attacks, and the death rate is also increasing. She added that the use of fertile topsoil for brick production is gradually reducing soil fertility. She urged the administration to take strict action to shut down such environmentally and public health–hazardous brick kilns.

The ongoing heat wave affecting large parts of Bangladesh may ease in some areas as rain and thunderstorms are predicted over several regions, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said on Friday morning. “A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions and the districts of Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Dhaka, Tangail, Manikganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Rangamati and Lakshmipur,” the BMD said in a regular bulletin. It said the prevailing heat wave may abate in some areas, bringing relief from scorching heat. The BMD said day and night temperatures may fall slightly across the country. However, discomfort may persist due to increased moisture incursion. The country’s highest temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius was recorded in Dinajpur on Thursday. The BMD also forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally winds and lightning flashes at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, with moderately heavy rainfall at some locations. It added that a trough of low pressure persists from West Bengal to the North Bay, and the southwest monsoon may advance up to the Cox’s Bazar coast within the next 48 hours.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked sixth among the world’s most polluted cities on Friday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 107 recorded at 9:50 am. The air was classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, meaning it may pose health risks to vulnerable people, according to the AQI scale. Indonesia’s Jakarta, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa and China’s Chengdu occupied the top three spots with AQI scores of 170, 148 and 142 respectively. An AQI value between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and 301 and above is ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI measures daily air quality by indicating how polluted the air is and what health effects may be experienced by people. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, which typically worsens during the winter months and improves in the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes around seven million deaths worldwide each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked 11th among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 94. According to the AQI scale, the city’s air quality was classified as ‘Moderate’ at 08:48am. Indonesia’s Jakarta, Pakistan’s Lahore, and Chile’s Santiago were the three most polluted cities, with AQI scores of 173, 171 and 143 respectively. An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while a score between 151 and 200 is classified as ‘unhealthy’. AQI readings between 201 and 300 are termed ‘very unhealthy’, and anything above 301 is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI is a daily indicator of air quality, showing how clean or polluted the air is and the possible health effects people may experience. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution. Air quality usually worsens during winter and improves in the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly from stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping across several parts of the country and it may continue, according to a bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Wednesday morning. “A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna divisions and the districts of Dhaka,Narayanganj, Tangail, Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Mymensingh, Chandpur, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Barishal, Patuakhali and Bhola and it may continue,” it said. Besides, light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at a few places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions. Meanwhile, moderately heavy falls are likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, it added. Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The trough of westerly low persists from West Bengal to North Bay. Southwest monsoon may advance up to Teknaf coast during next 72 hours.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked 11th among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 96. According to the AQI scale, the city’s air quality was classified as ‘Moderate’ at 08:58am. Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa, India’s Delhi, and Indonesia’s Jakarta were the three most polluted cities, with AQI scores of 195, 159 and 155 respectively. An AQI between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, while a score between 151 and 200 is classified as ‘unhealthy’. AQI readings between 201 and 300 are termed ‘very unhealthy’, and anything above 301 is considered ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI is a daily indicator of air quality, showing how clean or polluted the air is and the possible health effects people may experience. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution. Air quality usually worsens during winter and improves in the monsoon season. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly from stroke, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka ranked 15th on the list of cities with the worst air quality on Tuesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 87. With this score, the capital’s air quality was classified as “moderate,” indicating acceptable air conditions, though there may be a slight health concern for a small number of unusually sensitive individuals. According to the AQI ranking at 9:00 am, Santiago, Chile, topped the list with a score of 160, followed by Wuhan, China with 153, Jakarta, Indonesia with 140, and Delhi, India with 135. An AQI score between 51 and 100 is considered moderate, while scores between 101 and 150 are deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores between 151 and 200 are categorized as unhealthy. The AQI measures air quality based on five major pollutants — particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), 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 dry winter months and improving during the monsoon season. Air pollution remains a major public health concern, contributing to respiratory illnesses and other health complications worldwide, according to environmental experts and health authorities.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in partnership with the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), has announced the 12 winners of the second cohort of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE). Building on the success of its first cohort, HKH-ICE 2.0 supports entrepreneurs from Bangladesh’s Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bhutan, India’s Himalayan states, and Nepal. The challenge fund, backed by the UK Government, supports and scales climate-resilient enterprises across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable mountain systems. The selected enterprises operate across four priority sectors:  resilient agriculture, water security, sustainable tourism, and community resilience. Their solutions range from scaling high-value climate-smart mountain products to converting urban food waste into vermicompost for climate-resilient farming. The initiative aims to address pressing mountain challenges through locally grounded innovation and scaling solutions through market-based approaches.  “Entrepreneurs in the Hindu Kush Himalaya are uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that are both locally relevant and globally significant,” said Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, on Monday. He said the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs strengthens the region’s innovation and market ecosystem by investing in promising ideas, building entrepreneurial capacities, and fostering cross-border collaboration. "With support from the UK Government, ICIMOD is backing scalable, climate-resilient solutions that contribute to sustainable and inclusive development across the region.”  "Through the HKH-ICE Challenge, we are seeing locally led initiatives bringing forward inspiring and scalable nature-based solutions to address interconnected environmental, livelihood, and economic challenges across the region. I am really encouraged by the creativity, dedication, and leadership reflected in this work. These initiatives are a powerful reminder that lasting change happens when communities shape solutions rooted in their own contexts, knowledge, and lived experiences,” said Jesper Hörnberg, CEO, Global Resilience Partnership. The UK Government remains committed to supporting the entrepreneurs driving climate resilience across the Hindu Kush Himalaya through our Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, said Rob Fenn, UK Ambassador to Nepal. "The ambition on display from this cohort gives us every confidence that locally-led innovation is one of the most powerful tools we have for building a sustainable future for this region,” said Rob Fenn said. Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” the Hindu Kush Himalaya region supports more than 240 million people living in the mountains and provides water, food, and energy for around 1.65 billion people downstream. The region faces accelerating risks from climate change, ecosystem degradation, and water scarcity, threatening agriculture, tourism, and long-term resilience.  According to an ICIMOD estimate published in 2025, the region will require more than USD 12 trillion by 2050 to meet adaptation and mitigation needs. At the same time, the Climate Policy Initiative estimates that 83% of adaptation finance needs in South Asia remain unmet. Limited access to climate and private finance continues to constrain local entrepreneurs seeking to scale green and resilient innovations. The initiative provides tailored mentorship, technical assistance, and regional exposure, helping enterprises strengthen business models, access markets, and attract investment.