Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam called on residents to act responsibly in building a clean, environmentally friendly and livable Dhaka. He spoke on August 3 at a RAJUK-organized consultation at Gulshan Society Park in the capital, involving society members from Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan on sewage management.

Shah Alam said activities were under way to improve greening, cleanliness and modern urban management in Dhaka under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said active public participation was vital alongside government agencies for those initiatives to succeed. The minister said the government would seriously consider problems and suggestions raised by society representatives and take steps toward practical and sustainable solutions, while seeking patience and cooperation.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher assured participants that sewerage networks in the four areas would be connected in phases by pipeline to the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant. Representatives raised issues concerning sewage management, environmental protection and other civic services during an open discussion. Five private companies also gave brief presentations on sewage treatment plant technology and modern sewage management.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said coordinated action by ministries, agencies and local government institutions is needed for sustainable pollution control, effective waste management and environmental protection. He made the remarks while chairing a ministerial discussion on waste management, water pollution and other pollution controls at the Local Government Division’s meeting room in the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam attended the meeting. Alamgir described environmental pollution as one of the country’s major challenges, citing urbanisation, unplanned waste management, dumping waste into rivers and water bodies, and the use of single-use plastics and polythene as growing pressures on the environment. He said the problems require planned, integrated measures rather than isolated initiatives.

The minister said government action alone would not be sufficient, stressing public awareness and environmentally friendly behaviour. He called for measures to reduce harmful polythene bags and expand use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Participants discussed water pollution, solid-waste management, pollution control, river conservation and polythene regulation, while speakers emphasised stronger inter-ministerial coordination.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a consultation with experts to address existing water-management challenges and secure sustainable solutions for the country. The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office under the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Environmental, water and engineering specialists, along with representatives of several related institutions, attended under the leadership of social development organisation Footsteps Bangladesh. Participants shared experience and recommendations on water-management problems, current limitations and possible solutions. They urged long- and medium-term planning, use of modern technology, stronger coordination among relevant agencies and effective action that considers the impacts of climate change.

Discussions covered canal restoration, the stability of rivers and embankments, improvements to urban drainage, wastewater treatment and rainwater management. Participants also stressed the need for integrated and effective urban planning amid rapid urbanisation. The prime minister listened to the experts and assured them of cooperation to support sustainable development, environmental protection and safe, effective water management for citizens.

Chattogram Development Authority is preparing a new 25-year masterplan after about 80 percent of the city’s two previous plans remained unimplemented, according to the report published on August 4, 2026. CDA said 87 percent of work on the project had been completed. The proposal would combine the city’s 41 wards with five municipalities, two upazilas and parts of six other upazilas.

The 1961 and 1995 plans called for protecting hills, farmland, water bodies and green areas, while building roads, bus terminals and railway overbridges. Research and environmental groups cited in the report say about 120 hills have disappeared over three decades and 23,000 ponds have been lost in the past two decades. At least 500 buildings have been constructed over canals, the report said.

The plan is budgeted at Tk35.88 crore and proposes 276 projects across 19 sectors. It includes conservation of hills, water bodies and the Karnaphuli River, alongside a “One City Two Town” concept to reduce pressure on the city. Urban experts called for legal reforms, increased CDA staffing and coordination among agencies. CDA Chairman Belayet Hossain said all would be required to follow building laws and agencies would work in coordination.

Severe flooding in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram has caused extensive damage to vegetables and other crops, affecting 27,000 farmers, the report said. Crops on 3,446.5 hectares of land were submerged by hill runoff and tidal water from the sea. The report was published on August 4, 2026.

Most vegetable fields were inundated in Pui Chhari, Napora, Shekherkhil, Chambal, Jaldi, Bailchhari, Gandamara, Baraghona, Saral, Katharia, Baharchhara, Pukuria and Sadhanpur, reducing production. A significant share of vegetables sold in Chattogram markets comes from Banshkhali. Helal, a vegetable grower from East Pui Chhari, said most of his bitter gourd field was destroyed, while the remaining produce was selling for Tk100 per kilogram.

Local prices have risen sharply, with bitter gourd, tomatoes, yardlong beans and okra selling for Tk120 to Tk160 per kilogram, while green chilies cost Tk200. Most vegetables had sold for Tk10 to Tk15 per kilogram only days before the flood. Agriculture officer Shyamal Chandra Sarkar put official agricultural losses at about Tk55 crore. Farmers say actual losses exceed Tk100 crore and seek aid and quickly available loans on easy terms.

A leak has developed in a main Titas Gas transmission pipeline running beneath the Arial Kha River in Kazirchar village of Masua Union, Katiadi upazila, Kishoreganj. The report, published on August 4, said gas has been escaping at high pressure for a prolonged period and has not yet been fully controlled. Continuous bubbles are visible on the river surface and a strong gas smell is spreading through the air, causing concern and fear among riverside residents.

Residents alleged that the pipeline was damaged during an attempt to obtain an illegal gas connection for a lime-making factory beside the river, though the allegation has not been confirmed by investigation. The pipeline was installed about three decades ago to supply gas from Narsingdi to Kishoreganj. A hole recently formed at one of its welding joints, allowing gas to escape. The factory was closed after the allegations emerged, while its owner and workers could not be found.

Repair supervisor Noman Mia said the large hole at the welding section has made repairs difficult, with 20 to 25 workers working continuously for several weeks. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamima Afroze Marliz visited the site and said the factory’s legal documents would be checked and the cause investigated. Locals demanded prompt repairs, an impartial inquiry and legal action against those involved.

An unprecedented heatwave is continuing across South Korea, where severe heat alerts remained in force across most areas, according to a report published on August 3. Temperatures have surpassed previous records, while heat-related illnesses have increased and raised public-health concerns. The Korea Meteorological Administration said temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country on July 29.

In the southeastern city of Daegu, the temperature rose above 40 degrees Celsius for the first time since August 1942. Nearby Yangsan recorded a high of 42.5 degrees Celsius the previous day, the highest temperature since modern weather observations began in 1904. The report described the reading as a record-breaking national high.

At least 14 people have died during the heatwave since mid-May. On Monday, a 40-year-old man died in Incheon with a body temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius. Two farmers, aged 60 and 80, were also found dead in South Chungcheong Province over the weekend. The weather administration attributed the prolonged heatwave to multiple high-pressure systems over the Korean Peninsula and intense sunlight under clear skies.

Italy issued its highest-level red heat alert for 25 cities on Monday as the country faced its fourth heatwave of the summer. The alert is the largest number of cities placed under the warning simultaneously this summer. According to local newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Health Ministry increased the number of alerted cities from 23 on Sunday to 25 on Monday.

Only Reggio Calabria and Messina were outside the red-alert list, although yellow alerts remained in force there. The Po Valley and central Italy were identified as the areas most affected, while temperatures in inland areas and Sardinia could exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Terni province in central Italy reached 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Some parts of central and northern Italy could see night-time temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius, described by meteorologists as “super-tropical nights.” Experts cited the African anticyclone and unusually warm Mediterranean waters, with sea-surface temperatures at or above 30 degrees Celsius across broad areas. Authorities also issued orange wildfire alerts for Sicily and Emilia-Romagna, while yellow alerts warned of possible heavy rain in Apennine areas and inland Sicily.

Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said nature-based solutions are an effective and sustainable way to protect coastal livelihoods, strengthen food security and increase climate resilience. He made the remarks on August 3 as chief guest at a national technical workshop titled “Prioritizing Nature-Based Interventions for Resilient Coastal Bangladesh” at Hotel Westin in the capital. Friendship and Conservation International organized the workshop.

Tuku said forests, wetlands, coastal vegetation belts and integrated agroforestry systems can support environmental conservation while increasing livestock feed availability and improving animal health. He said such measures also reinforce the integrated One Health concept linking human, animal and environmental health. Bangladesh has gained global recognition for addressing climate impacts, he said, but its coastal regions remain among the world’s most vulnerable areas.

Cyclones, storm surges, sea-level rise, salinity expansion and coastal erosion threaten the environment, economy, food systems and livelihoods, he said. Fisheries and livestock are major contributors to the national economy and a key livelihood base for rural people, but both sectors face climate-related risks. The government is committed to sustainable natural-resource management, ecosystem restoration and evidence-based development planning. Tuku said a national plan to plant 250 million trees over the next five years would help restore ecosystems and build resilience among vulnerable communities.

Bangladesh Coast Guard held a public awareness meeting in Chandpur to conserve fish resources, prevent illegal fishing and raise awareness among fishing communities. The meeting was organized by Coast Guard Station Chandpur at 11am on August 2 in areas adjacent to the Meghna and Dakatia rivers. Media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon disclosed the information in a press release later in the day.

Participants discussed the importance of national fish resources, ending the use of illegal and prohibited nets, abstaining from fishing during breeding seasons, and protecting rivers and aquatic biodiversity. Sustainable fisheries management was also addressed. Local fishers shared their views and problems, while the Coast Guard and relevant agencies assured them of full cooperation in conserving fish resources.

Coast Guard officials attended alongside the district fisheries officer, upazila fisheries officer, other Fisheries Department officials, representatives of local fishers' associations and members of fishing communities. The Coast Guard said it would continue such public-service initiatives to protect fish resources, curb illegal harvesting and increase public awareness.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the phased installation of solar panels at all important government buildings in Bangladesh to address the ongoing energy crisis and accelerate renewable-energy use. The directive was issued on Monday at a solar power-related meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office of the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The initial phase will cover Bangabhaban, the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the Prime Minister’s Office and Finance Ministry buildings at the Bangladesh Secretariat, and the Planning Commission building, alongside other key government facilities. The government will also provide support for importing raw materials used to manufacture solar inverters and develop an economic model intended to make solar power affordable, accessible and profitable for the public.

The prime minister said solar use in government buildings would encourage wider public adoption of the technology. Separate presentations by PRAN-RFL Group and Walton Group addressed residential solar installations and connecting generated electricity to the national grid. They said the initiative could save electricity and energy while creating new employment opportunities.

Dhaka South City Corporation handed over and planted 500 tree saplings at the University of Dhaka campus as part of the national tree-planting programme. The event, coordinated with the university unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was held on Monday at the university’s Mall Chattar premises. DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam formally inaugurated the programme.

Speaking as chief guest, Salam described Dhaka University as a cradle of Bangladesh’s history, heritage and democratic movements. He said its students had played leading roles in movements from the Pakistan era through the most recent July uprising. He paid deep respect to those killed in the July movement and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Salam urged joint action by the government and citizens to make the prime minister’s initiative to plant 250 crore trees nationwide successful. Citing Dhaka’s poor position among polluted cities, he called for planting trees wherever vacant space is available, including across the university and metropolitan areas. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Almojaddeedi Alfechani, student leaders and general students attended.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on citizens to act more responsibly in protecting the environment, saying a clean and livable Bangladesh requires efforts from both the state and the public. In a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, he urged people across the country to help keep the nation clean and attractive.

Rahman said every citizen has a duty to conserve the environment and that a cleaner setting and better country can be built if individuals properly fulfil their responsibilities. He pointed to litter visible around markets, river landing areas and busy roads in Dhaka, district towns, upazilas and, in some cases, villages.

The prime minister cited discarded tissues, chips packets, plastic cooking-oil bottles and water bottles among waste scattered in public places. He said people would not like such rubbish spread around their own homes, and appealed for collective action to keep the country and its environment clean. He said this would help ensure a healthy country and healthy environment for future generations.

Residents of Rajibpur in Kurigram demanded a permanent river-protection embankment to shield Kodalkati Union and surrounding char areas from continuing Brahmaputra erosion. The demand was raised at a human chain and rally on Sunday at 5 pm on the riverbank in Paikantari Ballabhpara, organized by the Rajibpur upazila branch of the Char Development and Implementation Council. Erosion-affected women, men, elderly people, youths and local residents joined the programme.

Speakers called for the rapid implementation of a proposed permanent erosion-control project, estimated at about Tk 8.5 billion, from Saheber Alga in Ulipur to Mohanganj in Rajibpur. They also sought compensation for erosion victims and a separate ministry for char affairs, alleging insufficient effective action by the Water Development Board and BIWTA. Speakers said homes, farmland, educational institutions and livelihoods are being lost to erosion.

Kurigram Water Development Board Executive Engineer Rakibul Hasan said emergency work placed 522,000 sand-filled geobags at 42 erosion points on several rivers this monsoon, at a cost of Tk 240 million. Six additional erosion points have emerged, with work planned once funding is received. District Commissioner Annapurna Debnath said 174,000 geobags have been arranged for immediate protection measures.

A severe wildfire in the Spokane area of Washington state has destroyed at least 600 structures, including homes, businesses and other buildings, according to the report published on August 3, 2026. About 60,000 people have been evacuated for safety as fires continue to affect Spokane and nearby areas in the United States.

Over the weekend, roughly 21 square kilometres of Spokane and surrounding land burned. Across Washington state, wildfires have damaged about 1,000 square kilometres in total. Authorities said several fires, including the Spokane blaze, had not yet been brought under control. No deaths, injuries or missing people had been reported so far.

Officials warned that continuing dry weather could further complicate conditions, while the cause of the fires remains unknown. A separate major wildfire near the Idaho and Oregon border burned about 1,360 square kilometres of grassland, placing more than 600 homes and 800 other structures at risk. In Utah, another wildfire expanded to 145 square kilometres over the weekend, killing more than 100 livestock animals.