Two hotel owners in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet have been fined and sentenced for dumping waste beside Joybunnecha Girls High School. The mobile court, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Munmun Nahar, conducted the operation on Wednesday afternoon following a report published on April 3 about the persistent waste problem near the school. The owner of Capital Hotel was initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined 20,000 taka under three sections of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, but the jail term was waived after he promised to build a drainage system within a week and apologized for his actions.

The owner of Gram Bangla Hotel was fined 2,000 taka for dumping garbage next to the school wall and was strictly warned against repeating the offense. The operation freed around 200 students from the foul odor and improved the school’s environment. The administration announced that regular monitoring would continue to protect the school’s surroundings and directed steps to establish a permanent waste management system in the area.

The school’s teachers and students expressed relief and gratitude, hoping that the initiative would restore a healthy learning environment soon.

Authorities in Kalkini upazila of Madaripur district conducted a late-night operation at Mollarchar Bazar in Koyaria Union, seizing a large quantity of jatka hilsa. The raid, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saif Ul Arefin around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, was based on a confidential tip-off. Officials recovered approximately 27 maunds of jatka left abandoned at the site. However, those involved managed to flee before the team arrived, and no arrests were made.

On Wednesday morning around 8:30 a.m., the seized jatka were distributed among 14 orphanages in Kalkini upazila. The upazila administration stated that such operations will continue to prevent illegal jatka fishing and enforce the government ban on catching young hilsa.

The action reflects ongoing local efforts to protect fish resources and ensure compliance with national conservation regulations.

A severe hailstorm struck Phulbari upazila in Dinajpur on Tuesday, April 7, causing extensive damage to around 4,000 houses and 1,528 hectares of cropland. The storm, which lasted from late afternoon to evening, hit several villages in Eluari Union, including Rudrani, Ushahar, Banahar, Panikata, Jalpaitli, and Damodarpur. Large hailstones pierced tin roofs and destroyed mango, litchi, and other fruit orchards. Local residents reported that their nearly mature paddy crops were completely ruined.

Following the storm, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ahmed Hasan, Project Implementation Officer Mizanur Rahman, and Agriculture Officer Saif Abdullah visited the affected areas. The administration has prepared a preliminary list of damages, and committees have been formed in each ward to assess actual losses. Officials confirmed that the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry will provide assistance to affected families.

According to the agriculture office, crop losses include 1,500 hectares of paddy, 10 hectares of maize, and smaller areas of vegetables and fruits. The local administration has informed higher authorities and expects special allocations for relief support.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has called for greater involvement of young people in addressing the growing global environmental and climate crises. He made the appeal on Wednesday, April 8, at the inauguration of the two-day 'Green Energy Olympiad 2026' held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister described environmental challenges as global issues that are often not fully realized until their impacts are felt. He emphasized the need to raise awareness and spread environmental consciousness across generations. Swapan highlighted that environmental crises differ from short-term development problems due to their long-term and far-reaching effects, stressing the importance of awareness and behavioral change for sustainable living, responsible urbanization, and nature-friendly development.

He further noted that global energy shortages and international political dynamics directly affect both the environment and the economy. The minister urged integrating education and research with environmental, political, and economic considerations to build practical knowledge, describing such initiatives as strategic investments for future generations.

In Haimchar upazila of Chandpur, illegal sand extraction from the banks of the Meghna River has completely eroded a local playground and put a river protection embankment worth hundreds of millions of taka at serious risk. Police confirmed on Tuesday night, April 7, that five individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. The seized equipment includes a bulkhead named “MB Mim Enterprise” and an unloading vessel called “Ma-Babar Doa.”

Local residents reported that the playground in Gazinagar, where children regularly played football, disappeared overnight after sand was removed using dredgers. Community members expressed anger and fear that the erosion could destroy their homes if the embankment collapses. Haimchar BNP’s general secretary demanded strict punishment for those responsible, regardless of political affiliation.

Haimchar’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the site has been inspected and repair work ordered with the help of the Water Development Board. The board’s sub-divisional engineer stated that stored blocks are being used to prevent further erosion while awaiting higher authority decisions.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast Kalbaishakhi storms and rain across eight divisions on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The affected regions include Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet, where temporary gusty winds, lightning, and scattered hail may occur. The department also noted that daytime temperatures could drop by one to two degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

According to the morning forecast, areas such as Jashore and Kushtia in the Khulna division may experience storms moving from the west or northwest at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms. River ports in these regions have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one. The recent rainfall and storms have reduced the intensity of heat across the country, including in Dhaka, where the morning temperature dropped to 21.6 degrees Celsius from 22.8 the previous day.

The forecast also indicated that skies over Dhaka may remain partly cloudy until noon, with chances of rain or thunderstorms during the day.

The Tengragiri Ecopark crocodile breeding center in Barguna’s Taltoli upazila has failed to achieve success even after more than a decade of operation. Despite regular egg-laying by the crocodile pair named Tengra and Sokhina, none of the hatchlings have survived in the past 13 years. The center, established in the 2011–12 fiscal year by the Forest Department to conserve and breed freshwater crocodiles, has seen over a hundred hatchlings die since its inception, sparking public frustration and disappointment.

According to the breeding policy, hatchlings should be separated from adult crocodiles immediately after hatching for safe rearing. However, allegations suggest that this procedure has not been properly followed, leading to most hatchlings being killed by adult crocodiles. Environmental activist Shahidul Islam Milon said the failure to increase crocodile numbers at Tengragiri, unlike other centers, highlights weak management. Forest officer Rahimul Islam Jumel admitted the lack of skilled manpower to protect hatchlings, while Taltoli Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahidul Islam stated that higher authorities have been informed and discussions are underway to recruit skilled staff and improve management.

Officials indicated that without urgent action, the center risks losing its conservation and tourism potential.

A moderate earthquake was felt across parts of Bangladesh on Tuesday afternoon, with its epicenter located near Silchar in India’s Assam state. The tremor, measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale, occurred at 2:48 p.m. Bangladesh time and was recorded about 350 kilometers from Dhaka. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated 11 kilometers northwest of Silchar at a depth of 10 kilometers. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far.

The earthquake was also felt in several areas of Assam as well as in Bangladesh’s Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and other border regions. Residents in these areas experienced brief panic as the ground shook unexpectedly. Authorities have not reported any significant structural damage or injuries.

The tremor highlights the region’s seismic sensitivity, particularly along the Bangladesh-India border, where moderate quakes are occasionally recorded.

A mobile court in Vedarganj upazila of Shariatpur demolished an illegal lead production factory on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following allegations of severe environmental damage. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate K.M. Rafsan Rabbi, took place in the Mahishkandi area of Ramvadrpur Union and lasted several hours. Officials from the Department of Environment, Fire Service, and local police participated in the raid, during which the entire factory was destroyed using an excavator.

According to the mobile court, a group had been illegally collecting old batteries from various parts of the country, burning them to extract lead, and selling it to different businesses without any license or approval. Local residents complained that toxic smoke and waste from the factory had severely polluted the environment, causing illness and death among livestock. Authorities had previously fined and ordered the factory to shut down, but operations resumed secretly at night.

Officials stated that lead pollution poses a serious threat to public health, agriculture, and livestock, and assured that strict action against such illegal factories will continue. The demolition brought relief to local residents, who expressed hope for continued enforcement against environmental violations.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will observe ‘Jatka Conservation Week 2026’ from April 7 to 13, aiming to increase Hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation. Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced the program at a press conference in Dhaka, stating that catching juvenile Hilsa (jatka) will be completely prohibited in rivers and the sea during this period. The inaugural event will be held on April 7 in Chandpur Sadar.

The minister said the government’s main goal is to enhance Hilsa production by enforcing seasonal fishing bans, establishing sanctuaries, and implementing the Fisheries Conservation Act effectively. He noted that these measures have helped raise Hilsa output to 500,000 metric tons in the 2024–25 fiscal year. However, challenges such as river siltation, climate change, and pollution continue to threaten this progress.

This year’s theme, “If we stop catching jatka, rivers and seas will be full of Hilsa,” will guide activities across 20 Hilsa-rich districts, with central and local programs planned to promote awareness and compliance.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a 58-day ban on all types of fishing in the Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas, effective from April 15 to June 11, 2026. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid made the announcement at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Monday, during the launch of ‘Jatka Conservation Week 2026’.

The minister said the conservation week, themed ‘Stop catching jatka, fill rivers and seas with hilsa,’ will be observed from April 7 to 13 across 20 hilsa-rich districts. During this period, authorities will monitor activities from the sea to local markets to prevent illegal jatka catching, trading, and storage. Additionally, a 22-day ban on jatka catching, transport, and sale will remain in place until June 30 to protect breeding fish.

Rashid also noted that no decision has yet been made regarding hilsa exports to India during the Bengali month of Baishakh, and that the matter will be decided by the Prime Minister’s Office.

In Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, allegations have surfaced that a government canal in Chhoto Baraihati village was illegally filled and part of the Gafargaon–Bormi regional road land excavated to build a fish farm. The action has raised fears of waterlogging during the monsoon and irrigation problems in the dry season for hundreds of farmers across several nearby villages.

The Baumra canal, also known locally as Shukline, runs through multiple unions before joining the Sutia River. Farmers depend on it for drainage and irrigation. Locals claim that Awami League activist Abul Kashem filled about 200 feet of the canal and dug a deep pond on occupied road land, creating risks for the adjacent road. Several residents, including retired army personnel and a freedom fighter, accused him of land grabbing and warned of potential road collapse.

Kashem denied the allegations, stating he only developed his own land. The local agriculture officer said an investigation would be conducted, while the upazila executive officer confirmed that filling a government canal is illegal and directed the assistant commissioner (land) to take action.

In Mongla upazila of Bagerhat, the historic Mamar Ghat area is gradually disappearing into the Pashur River due to severe erosion. Large portions of the riverbank have already collapsed, submerging significant land areas. The situation has caused serious concern and hardship among local traders, workers of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), and boatmen who rely on the river route for transport and trade.

On-site observations revealed that a major section of the riverbank near Mamar Ghat has broken away, leaving several nearby shops at risk, with some already partially damaged. Although there are no residential houses along the bank, business owners fear losing this vital commercial hub. Delwar Hossain, president of the Mongla Port Engine Boatmen’s Association, said that the erosion is disrupting docking and cargo operations, reducing income for boat operators.

Mongla Upazila Executive Officer and Port Municipality Administrator Sharmin Akter Sumi stated that the issue is being treated with urgency. Relevant departments have been informed, and immediate protective measures are being initiated to safeguard the town and its residents.

District Commissioner Mohammad Zahedul Islam Miah inaugurated a 10,000-tree plantation program at DC Park in Faujdarhat, Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s national goal of planting 2.5 billion trees in five years. On the first day, around 2,000 saplings of 54 species were planted across the park, with a target to complete 10,000 within a month.

The district commissioner said the program aims to restore environmental balance and offset trees cut for development. Plans include transforming DC Park into a modern, aesthetic, and eco-friendly space by planting Sonalu and Krishnachura trees, creating a visually striking design visible from aerial views. A large fruit orchard will also be developed on the park’s northern side, featuring mango, guava, jackfruit, and other species, envisioned as a future bird sanctuary.

He added that the park is expected to host the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebration instead of DC Hill. The initiative is intended to raise environmental awareness and contribute to climate resilience in the region.

Bangladesh is facing an escalating plastic pollution crisis, with about 3.9 million tons of plastic waste contaminating its water bodies, forests, and farmland each year. Only 19 percent of this waste is recycled, while the remaining 81 percent ends up in landfills and rivers, worsening environmental degradation. The widespread use of single-use plastics has intensified the problem, releasing toxic chemicals into soil and water and contributing to air pollution when burned. Dhaka has become one of the world’s most polluted cities, and microplastics have entered the food chain, posing serious health risks.

The article highlights that coastal areas such as Chattogram are suffering from marine pollution that threatens biodiversity, while poor communities face health hazards from burning plastic for livelihood. Scientists warn of long-term health impacts, and the economic cost of pollution is rising, with health expenditures consuming about three percent of GDP. The author calls for urgent government, civil society, and private sector collaboration to implement waste segregation, ban single-use plastics, and promote recycling.

The report emphasizes adopting a zero-waste system, strengthening recycling infrastructure, and encouraging natural alternatives like jute and bamboo products. Strong political commitment, public awareness, and producer responsibility policies are deemed essential for Bangladesh to transition toward a sustainable, circular economy.