A mobile court of the Gazipur district administration fined a brick kiln three lakh taka during an anti-illegal brick kiln drive in Sreepur upazila. The operation took place on Monday afternoon in the Latifpur area, led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Prabhakar Roy. The court found the kiln operating in violation of government regulations and filed a case against its owner.

Officials from the Department of Environment in Gazipur, including Research Officer Md. Mokbul Hossain and relevant inspectors, participated in the operation as prosecutors. Members of law enforcement agencies provided security support during the drive.

Magistrate Prabhakar Roy stated that similar mobile court drives will continue regularly to enforce environmental protection and government directives against illegal brick kilns.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan inaugurated the excavation and cleaning activities of the Tolarbag Canal, stretching from Mirpur Mazar Road to Gabtoli Main Road, on Monday afternoon in Mirpur. During the event, he emphasized the importance of maintaining work quality, ensuring timely completion, and proper use of public funds.

The administrator stated that DNCC’s primary commitment is to build a livable city by ensuring efficient use of taxpayers’ money. He instructed officials to closely monitor contractors to prevent substandard work and stressed that all projects must be completed within the tender-specified timeframe. He also mentioned that he personally inspects sites and approves bills only after satisfactory progress.

Highlighting the role of clean canals in mosquito control, he urged residents not to dump waste into waterways. Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, he announced that DNCC has prepared a waste management plan to clean the city within six hours on Eid day and continue operations for 72 hours.

A workshop titled 'Climate Change, Women's Livelihoods and the Context of the Southwest Region' was held on April 20, 2026, at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club. Participants called for a separate budget allocation for coastal areas and the creation of gender-friendly laws to improve the lives of women and children. They also urged the government to adopt a long-term national plan to solve the drinking water crisis affecting residents of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.

Speakers at the event, organized by Badabon Sangho, highlighted that inadequate communication systems and water scarcity are the main challenges for coastal communities. These issues contribute to health problems, including skin diseases, while access to healthcare remains limited. The workshop was chaired by Professor Anarul Kadir of Sundarban Academy and featured contributions from academics, journalists, and social activists.

Speakers further noted that climate change has deeply affected the livelihoods of people in the three districts. Rising salinity, natural disasters, shrimp farming expansion, land-use changes, and industrialization are threatening the environment and biodiversity of the Sundarbans region.

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 4:53 p.m. local time. Following the quake, tsunami warnings were issued for Aomori Prefecture, Hokkaido, and nearby coastal regions, with authorities warning that waves up to three meters high could hit the shore. Tremors were also felt in Tokyo, where buildings swayed for several minutes.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to move quickly to safe areas, advising people to avoid rivers and coastal zones and seek higher ground. Japan’s national broadcaster NHK displayed English alerts reading “Tsunami! Evacuate!” and “Don’t turn back” to warn foreign residents and visitors.

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers. Authorities continued to monitor the situation as precautionary measures remained in place across affected regions.

In Jamalganj upazila of Sunamganj, around 500 farmers voluntarily repaired an embankment in Pagna Haor on Sunday morning to protect their crops from rising rainwater. Continuous rainfall over the past week had caused parts of the haor to submerge, prompting farmers from Laxmipur village to reinforce the long internal embankment with soil and sandbags.

According to local observations, heavy rain and runoff from upstream areas led to waterlogging in low-lying parts of the haor. Farmers said that siltation in rivers, canals, and water bodies had worsened the flooding. To prevent further crop damage, they worked collectively without pay to strengthen the embankment.

Local leaders, including the upazila BNP joint convener and several union and community representatives, assisted the farmers during the repair effort.

In Mymensingh’s Fulbaria upazila, heavy vehicles continue to cross a bridge over the Kolmodoria River at Keshorganj Bazar despite an official ban. The upazila administration had declared the bridge extremely risky and prohibited all heavy vehicle movement, installing warning signs and iron barricades on both sides. However, trucks, tractors, and other heavy carriers are reportedly breaking the barricades and using the bridge daily.

Local residents allege that illegal lorries and tractors carrying bricks, sand, and timber are worsening the condition of the already expired bridge, raising fears of a major accident. Upazila Engineer Zobayer Hossain confirmed that the bridge is highly risky and said the matter has been reported to higher authorities, with a new bridge construction process underway. Acting Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Taki Tajwar stated that the administration is investigating the violation and will take legal action against those responsible.

Residents have urged immediate and effective measures to stop heavy vehicle movement across the dangerous bridge to prevent potential disasters.

A spotted deer that entered Khuriyakhali village in Sharankhola upazila of Bagerhat after being chased by a tiger was rescued and released back into the Sundarbans on Sunday morning. The deer swam across a river and entered the house of a local resident, Jamal Mia, around 8 a.m. Forest officials, members of the Wild Team, the Village Tiger Response Team, and local villagers worked together to safely capture the animal.

According to the Sharankhola field facilitator of the Wild Team, the deer was wet when it entered the house and was later handed over to the Forest Department. The Sharankhola Station Officer of the East Sundarbans confirmed that the rescued female deer weighed about 25 kilograms and was released near the range office around 10 a.m. He added that deer are generally timid animals and can die from shock, but the trained rescue team ensured its safe recovery.

The incident highlights the close proximity of human settlements to wildlife habitats in the Sundarbans and the importance of coordinated rescue efforts to protect both animals and residents.

Two sections of the Jamuna Riverbank protection area in Kazipur, Sirajganj, collapsed into the river on Friday night during the dry season. Locals blamed the erosion on illegal sand extraction using dredger machines in several nearby areas, including Kazipur Eco Park, Palashpur Ghat, Meghai Ghat, and Dhekuriya. The sudden collapse has caused widespread concern among residents living near the river.

According to the Water Development Board, the western bank protection work was completed in 2014 using stone blocks and sandbags. The recent collapse has raised fears of further damage to Meghai embankment, croplands, and nearby structures. Locals reported that around 40 sand points in Kazipur are now controlled by political groups, with large-scale sand trading continuing daily despite the absence of legal leases.

Officials from the Water Development Board and the Upazila administration stated that sandbags are being placed at the collapsed sites and that actions are being taken against illegal sand extraction. They assured that monitoring is ongoing and that no one will be allowed to extract sand in ways that damage the embankment.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee stated that resolving waterlogging in Dhaka and across Bangladesh cannot be achieved in a short time. He made the remark on Sunday afternoon after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, emphasizing that the government remains committed to addressing the issue.

The minister explained that the government has undertaken a canal excavation program aimed at reducing waterlogging and ensuring irrigation for agriculture. As part of this initiative, canal excavation programs will be inaugurated in Jashore district on April 27 and in Sylhet on May 2.

These measures are part of ongoing government efforts to improve water management and mitigate flooding problems in both urban and rural areas.

In Rangpur’s Gangachhara upazila, work has begun on the Teesta irrigation canal renovation and expansion project in Alambiditar Union, leaving more than a hundred families fearing the loss of their homes. The project, costing Tk 1,452 crore, is being implemented based on a survey conducted about 35 years ago, causing widespread concern and anger among residents.

According to the report, the project’s second phase began in 2022, but its original feasibility study dates back decades. Over time, the Teesta irrigation project’s effectiveness has declined sharply, with irrigation coverage falling far short of targets. Residents in Brahmottorpur village said they have received eviction notices as canal expansion work proceeds on both sides of their settlement. Local representatives and activists argue that the project is outdated and risks creating a humanitarian crisis if evictions occur without rehabilitation.

Officials from the Water Development Board maintain that the land was legally acquired in the 1980s–90s and compensation was paid, though local authorities acknowledge complaints that some residents were unaware or uncompensated. The project remains controversial as locals question whether it will truly benefit the region under current water conditions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of 12 people in lightning strikes that occurred across several districts in a single day. The statement was issued on Sunday by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its Central Publicity and Media Department.

In the statement, Zubair described the deaths as tragic and heartbreaking, mentioning that the incidents took place in districts including Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Rangpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Habiganj. He particularly noted the suffering of farmers and laborers in the haor regions who lost their lives while working for their livelihood. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and for patience and strength for their bereaved families, also wishing a quick recovery for the injured.

Zubair urged the authorities to strengthen weather forecasting and awareness programs to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling for divine protection from similar disasters.

A severe storm struck Kishoreganj in Nilphamari on the night of April 18, 2026, damaging more than a hundred houses and causing extensive crop losses. The storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, hit Sadar, Barovita, and Magura unions around 8 p.m., uprooting trees and tearing off roofs. Fallen trees snapped power lines, leaving several villages including Durakuti and Gada without electricity.

Local officials reported significant damage. Magura Union Parishad Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Mithu said around 30 houses in his area were affected, with widespread crop and tree damage. Upazila Agriculture Officer Lokman Alam confirmed that 35 hectares of maize fields were damaged. The local power office stated that repair work was underway and electricity could be restored by afternoon. The Upazila Project Implementation Officer reported 70 damaged houses across three unions, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer said assistance lists were being prepared for affected residents.

Authorities have informed higher officials and initiated recovery efforts to restore power and support affected families.

Japan has introduced a new term, 'Kokushobi', to describe the country's increasingly severe heat conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced the term after last summer’s record-breaking temperatures reached up to 40 degrees Celsius. The word combines 'koku', meaning 'extremely high', to denote days of intense heat. The decision followed a national online survey conducted between February and March, in which 478,000 people participated to select the most fitting term from 13 options.

According to the Japan Times, Japan experienced its hottest summer since temperature records began in 1898, with the 2025 season averaging 2.36 degrees Celsius above normal. During June to August, nine days exceeded 40 degrees, and Isesaki city recorded a national high of 41.8 degrees Celsius. Tokyo saw 25 days above 35 degrees, while Kyoto recorded 52 such days. The JMA has forecast that temperatures from June to August this year will again remain above normal.

The new terminology reflects Japan’s growing concern over climate change, as fossil fuel use and human activities continue to drive global warming.

More than 4,500 people have died in lightning strikes across Bangladesh over the past fifteen years, according to data from the GDStar Forum. Despite the rising number of incidents each year, experts say that government measures to prevent lightning-related deaths have been largely ineffective and wasteful. On April 18, twelve people died in separate lightning incidents in Sunamganj, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Netrokona districts.

The Disaster Management Department reported 21 deaths and 16 injuries so far this year, while last year saw 243 deaths. Weather experts note that Bangladesh experiences an average of 3.36 million lightning strikes annually, killing around 350 people, with the highest risks in Sunamganj, Netrokona, and Sylhet. The Meteorological Department began issuing lightning alerts in April last year, focusing on forecasts and public awareness.

A previous palm tree planting project intended to reduce lightning deaths was criticized for mismanagement and financial waste. Authorities have since shifted to installing lightning arresters, which divert high-voltage strikes safely into the ground. Officials emphasize that public awareness remains the most effective protection against lightning hazards.

A powerful nor'wester storm struck Taraganj upazila in Rangpur on Saturday night, causing extensive damage across several unions. Beginning around 8 p.m. and lasting for three hours, the storm brought strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain that uprooted hundreds of trees and damaged numerous houses. Electricity supply was cut off in many areas, plunging residents into hardship.

According to local sources, the hardest-hit areas were Haryarkuthi, Alampur, and Kursha unions. Tin roofs were blown away, mud houses collapsed, and many families were forced to spend the night under the open sky. In Ward 8 of Kursha Union, more than 20 houses were reported destroyed. Fallen trees and branches blocked major roads, temporarily halting traffic until local residents, representatives, and administration teams began clearing operations.

Officials from Taraganj Palli Bidyut Samiti-2 confirmed that multiple power lines were severed when trees fell on them, causing widespread outages. The upazila executive officer and local representatives visited the affected areas to assess the damage.