A prolonged and intense heatwave has swept across Pakistan and India, leaving millions struggling with extreme temperatures. In Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, daytime temperatures have frequently exceeded 44 to 46 degrees Celsius, forcing residents indoors and severely affecting daily wage earners, transport workers, and farmers. Similar conditions have been reported in India’s Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and northern and central regions, where authorities have issued heat alerts due to health risks, power shortages, and disruptions to daily life.

In Karachi, temperatures have repeatedly surpassed 40 degrees Celsius, reaching a recent high of 44.1 degrees, the city’s highest since 2018. Coastal communities such as Ibrahim Hyderi are facing worsening conditions due to power outages and water shortages. Local hospitals have reported a sharp rise in child patients suffering from dehydration and infections linked to unsafe water. Climate experts attribute the recurring heatwaves to human-induced climate change and rapid urbanization, warning that summers are becoming longer, harsher, and less predictable.

Experts urge immediate government action, including establishing cooling centers, ensuring safe drinking water, strengthening emergency healthcare, and expanding urban tree cover to mitigate future heat impacts.

Authorities in Babuganj upazila of Barishal demolished the chimney of an illegal brick kiln during an operation on Sunday afternoon. The mobile court, led by the local administration, dismantled two drum chimneys of the Care Brick Kiln and imposed a fine of Tk 150,000 on the owner, Md. Mehedi Hasan. Additionally, raw bricks were soaked in water and destroyed during the raid.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Kamrun Nahar Tamanna confirmed the incident and stated that illegal brick kilns using drum chimneys cause severe environmental damage. She emphasized that such operations against unauthorized and environmentally harmful brick kilns will continue in the area.

The action reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal industrial activities that violate environmental regulations in Barishal district.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam announced that visible improvements in Dhaka’s lake and canal management will be achieved within six months. Speaking at a meeting held at the Secretariat on Sunday, he said that cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns have been intensified ahead of the upcoming dengue season. The meeting focused on resolving waterlogging, ensuring water flow, and enhancing the city’s aesthetics, with participation from senior officials of RAJUK, WASA, city corporations, and residential societies.

The minister said a high-level committee has been formed under his leadership to keep the lakes in areas such as Gulshan and Banani clean and flowing, following the Prime Minister’s directive. Short-, medium-, and long-term plans have been adopted for lake beautification and maintenance. He also highlighted government initiatives to make infrastructure accessible for persons with disabilities, including mandatory ramps and separate toilets in restaurants and hotels.

The meeting also discussed implementing septic tanks and sewage treatment plants in buildings, introducing water bus services, and constructing walkways to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad visited flood- and erosion-affected areas in Manikganj district on Sunday, May 17, 2026. During his visit, he met local residents and observed the damage caused by river erosion, which has threatened homes, farmland, and infrastructure in the region. He announced that emergency measures, including the dumping of geo-bags and concrete blocks, would begin very soon to prevent further erosion.

The minister criticized previous administrations for failing to take effective steps to control river erosion in the area. Acting under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he instructed officials from the Water Resources Ministry to start the geo-bag dumping immediately. He also directed the Bangladesh Water Development Board to conduct feasibility studies during the dry season to design and implement sustainable, long-term projects for erosion control.

Members of Parliament S A Jinnah Kabir from Manikganj-1 and Moinul Islam Khan from Manikganj-2 accompanied the minister during the inspection.

Heavy rainfall hit Dhaka early Sunday, May 17, 2026, after dark clouds covered the sky from dawn. The city recorded 24 millimeters of continuous rain by around 7:45 a.m., leading to waterlogging in several neighborhoods. Commuters faced difficulties as streets and alleys became inundated.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, a low-pressure area remains over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal, with an associated trough extending into West Bengal and nearby regions. The agency forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally winds in many parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, and at a few places in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions through Sunday evening.

The weather office further indicated that this pattern of thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall may continue across all divisions until Thursday, May 21, with northern regions likely to experience sustained precipitation over the following five days.

The Society for Asian Circular Innovation Network (SACHIN) officially launched in Dhaka with the goal of promoting circular economy practices across Asia. The inauguration ceremony took place at the BCI Conference Room in Tejgaon, where founder president Preeti Chakraborty said the organization aims to drive sustainable development through research, innovation, policy engagement, and regional cooperation. SACHIN’s slogan, “Think Circular. Innovate Regionally, Impact Globally,” reflects its vision of positioning Asia as a global leader in circular economy and sustainability.

Initially focusing on Bangladesh’s garment industry, SACHIN plans to expand into agriculture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, plastics, energy, finance, water, and shipbuilding. EuroCham Bangladesh Chairperson Nuria Lopez emphasized that adopting circular economy principles is vital for Bangladesh’s competitiveness and environmental stability. The organization announced future initiatives including an Asian Sustainability Data and AI Portal, Circular Tech Marketplace, SACHIN Academy, and an Asian Circular Economy and Climate Summit.

SACHIN stated that its work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, and 17, and called for collaboration among governments, industries, researchers, and youth to build a sustainable and inclusive future for Asia.

International experts have called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the climate crisis a global public health emergency. The appeal came through a report by the independent Pan-European Commission on Health and Climate, which warned that without swift and coordinated action, millions more people could face premature death and severe health risks. The report will be presented to European ministers on Sunday, ahead of the WHO World Health Assembly starting Monday.

The commission stated that climate change has reached a stage requiring classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It cited the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, heatwaves, floods, food insecurity, and air pollution as major threats. The report also urged an end to fossil fuel subsidies, noting that fossil fuels cause about 600,000 premature deaths annually in Europe while receiving €444 billion in subsidies.

Commission leaders emphasized that climate change poses a direct threat to human survival and health. They called for stronger climate-health assessments, combating misinformation, and making hospitals more resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the re-excavation of the Khorda canal in the Waruk Bazar area of Tamta Dakshin Union under Shahrasthi upazila of Chandpur. The event, held on Saturday, marked the official launch of a nationwide initiative to re-excavate rivers, canals, and waterways aimed at strengthening environmental conservation and climate resilience.

According to the announcement shared on the BNP’s Facebook page, the program is part of the party’s election manifesto commitments. During the inauguration, emphasis was placed on long-term planning for water reservoir preservation, maintaining natural water flow, and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

Before arriving in Chandpur, Tarique Rahman traveled from Dhaka to Lakshmipur in Barura upazila of Cumilla by special bus, where he delivered a roadside speech before proceeding to Shahrasthi for the inauguration ceremony.

Professor Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam writes that many rivers in southern Bangladesh have dried up, leaving bridges standing over sand and weeds instead of flowing water. The article attributes this severe environmental change primarily to the Farakka Barrage, built in 1975 on the Ganges in West Bengal to maintain navigability at Kolkata port. Reduced water flow from the Ganges has caused rivers such as the Padma, Gorai, Madhumati, Kumar, Bhairab, and Kopotakkho to lose vitality, turning once-thriving waterways into barren channels.

The drying of rivers has disrupted agriculture, fisheries, navigation, and biodiversity, while salinity intrusion has damaged farmland and freshwater sources in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat. The loss of river-based livelihoods has forced migration and eroded local culture and communication traditions. The author notes that Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded fair water sharing from India, but dry-season flows remain inadequate despite agreements.

He argues that Bangladesh’s own policy failures, including weak diplomacy, river encroachment, pollution, and lack of dredging, have worsened the crisis. With the same political party now governing both West Bengal and India’s central government, he urges Bangladesh’s new BNP administration to pursue strong diplomatic action for a sustainable water-sharing solution.

Several areas of Taraganj upazila in Rangpur have been inundated following days of heavy rain and a nor'wester, submerging farmlands and damaging crops including vegetables, Boro paddy, and maize. The flooding has led to widespread crop loss and a sharp rise in summer vegetable prices, causing hardship for both farmers and consumers.

Farmers reported root rot in vegetable plants due to stagnant water, threatening reduced yields. Market prices have surged, with pointed gourd, bitter gourd, and other vegetables selling between Tk 60 and Tk 100 per kilogram. Local farmers described severe losses, noting that many plants have died and harvests have declined. Vendors said wholesale prices have tripled compared to normal times.

According to the upazila agriculture officer, prolonged rainfall has caused waterlogging in many fields, leading to plant decay and crop death. Field officers are advising farmers to drain water quickly, harvest ripe paddy, and store it safely to minimize further losses.

Bangladesh observed the 50th anniversary of the Farakka Barrage operation on May 16, 2026, amid continuing concerns over its long-term effects on rivers, agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. Experts warned that the current Ganges water-sharing treaty, expiring in December 2026, must be renegotiated to include a mandatory guarantee clause ensuring minimum dry-season water flow. They argue that without such assurance, water scarcity and environmental degradation in northern and southwestern Bangladesh will intensify.

Since India began diverting Ganges water through the Farakka Barrage in 1975, vast stretches of the Padma River have dried up, turning once-thriving waterways into sandbanks. Researchers estimate that at least 60 million people have suffered losses in irrigation, fisheries, and drinking water access. The Water Development Board reports that dry-season flow has dropped from 120,000 to 24,000 cusecs, while over 2,000 kilometers of navigable routes have become defunct.

Experts and civic groups called for Bangladesh to raise the issue in international forums, seek compensation for economic losses, and form a regional water forum with neighboring countries to ensure equitable river management.

Residents of Burichang and Brahmanpara upazilas in Cumilla formed a human chain on Friday afternoon demanding the repair of the flood control embankment. Several thousand people from Burburia, Mithilapur, Baherchar, and Sripur villages joined the demonstration, calling for immediate renovation of the vulnerable embankment and permanent development measures.

The event was attended by Cumilla-5 Member of Parliament Haji Jasim Uddin, Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir Hossain, former upazila chairman and BNP president ATM Mizanur Rahman, BNP general secretary Kabir Hossain, and leaders from various political, social, and professional groups. Speakers said the northern embankment of the Gomti River has become risky, causing annual flood fears among residents. They recalled that the 2024 floods broke the Burburia section, inundating large parts of both upazilas and damaging homes, crops, livestock, and farms.

Participants urged immediate intervention from the authorities, the Water Development Board, and the administration, warning of larger movements if no effective action is taken soon.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that rainfall across the country has decreased, though heavy to very heavy rain may continue in some regions until next Tuesday. The agency forecast a gradual rise in temperature nationwide, with humid and hot conditions already being felt in many areas. As of Friday evening, Narsingdi recorded the highest rainfall at 46 millimeters in the previous 24 hours, while Dhaka and several southern divisions saw no rain.

Earlier forecasts had warned of heavy rainfall in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions through Saturday, but this has now been extended to Tuesday. The department noted that rainfall between 44 and 88 millimeters is considered heavy, and above 88 millimeters is very heavy. A well-marked low over the southwest Bay of Bengal and another over West Bengal are influencing the current weather pattern.

Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Haque said that while rain will continue in varying intensity across the country until Tuesday, heavier rainfall is expected in the northern and northeastern divisions before conditions begin to improve.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam said the corporation is working tirelessly to transform Dhaka into a livable, modern, clean, and green city. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires active participation and collective effort from the government, administration, political organizations, and city residents. Salam made these remarks on Friday afternoon while inaugurating a tree-planting program organized by Shahbagh Thana BNP near the Government Employees Hospital in the capital.

Highlighting cleanliness and mosquito control, the administrator stressed the importance of preventing dengue and chikungunya during the upcoming monsoon. He said DSCC is conducting special activities under a weekly cleaning day program across the city, but residents must also remain vigilant by keeping their homes and surroundings clean and ensuring no stagnant water accumulates.

Salam praised the BNP’s tree-planting initiative as a commendable effort that will contribute to greening Dhaka and making it more livable. The event began with the administrator planting a sapling at the site, attended by leaders of Shahbagh Thana BNP and affiliated organizations.

Relief and Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that Bangladesh will excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals over the next five years. He stated that a ministry meeting decided to implement 7,000 kilometers of canal re-excavation, with 1,500 kilometers scheduled for this year. Except for one district, the work will be carried out through local administrations across 64 districts.

Speaking in Shahrasthi, Chandpur, on Friday, the minister said the new canal excavation program includes additional components such as tree planting along canal banks and fish cultivation in the canals. He emphasized that the government aims to ensure transparency in all projects and that accountability is being strengthened under the current administration.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve water management and local livelihoods through environmentally sustainable measures, according to the minister’s remarks at the event.