In Sandwip, Chattogram, BNP’s Moshapur Union General Secretary Idris Alam has been accused of illegally clearing large portions of coastal forest in the Mogdhara area to occupy government land. Locals allege that Idris and his followers have been cutting mangrove trees at night for weeks and smuggling the timber to nearby regions, including Hatiya and Subarnachar. The deforestation has reportedly endangered the island’s main coastal embankment, increasing the risk of river erosion and environmental degradation. Despite repeated complaints, the forest department and local administration have allegedly remained inactive. Idris claims ownership of the land but has failed to produce legal documents. Forest officials deny his claims, stating that cutting trees without permission violates the Forest Act of 1927 and the Environmental Conservation Act of 1995. The Upazila administration has announced an investigation, warning of legal action if the allegations are proven. The destroyed forest was part of a coastal greenbelt project established after the 1991 cyclone to protect the shoreline.

Following a series of mild tremors in Bangladesh after a 5.7-magnitude quake, global attention has turned to countries with minimal earthquake risk. According to seismic data, nations far from major tectonic fault lines experience very few or no natural earthquakes. Among them, Chad and Niger in Central Africa face extremely low seismic risk, though they remain vulnerable to floods, droughts, and wildfires. Similarly, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in West Africa rarely experience quakes but contend with climate-related hazards. In Europe, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, and Ireland are among the safest countries, with fault lines located over 1,000 kilometers away. Finland occasionally experiences minor, human-induced tremors due to mining activities. The Bahamas, though distant from the Caribbean fault line, faces coastal flooding and hurricanes. In South America, Uruguay’s distance from major fault zones makes earthquakes rare, though flooding remains a concern. These nations exemplify regions where seismic stability contrasts with other environmental risks.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, is deteriorating rapidly due to rising salinity and the impacts of climate change. Cracks, peeling lime plaster, and salt deposits are visible on the mosque’s walls, domes, and especially the mihrab. Studies by Khulna University, the National Geographic Society, and ICOMOS reveal that temperature rise, industrial pollution, monsoon humidity, and groundwater salinity are accelerating the damage. The Department of Archaeology has formed a five-member expert committee led by former Director General Dr. Md. Shafiqul Alam to assess the structure, which found the mihrab at risk of collapse. Corrosion in iron clamps has weakened the building’s load-bearing capacity. Regional Director Lovely Yasmin stated that with UNESCO’s assistance, a detailed decay map will be created, and international experts will join urgent conservation efforts. Experts warn that without immediate action, the mosque could be declared an ‘endangered world heritage site,’ posing a significant cultural loss for Bangladesh.

Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters, often triggering tsunamis and landslides. Several countries face frequent seismic activity due to their location along tectonic plate boundaries. Japan tops the list as it lies within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', where it experiences constant tectonic movement. The country has developed advanced seismic monitoring systems and early warning networks. Indonesia, also on the Ring of Fire, endures multiple high-magnitude earthquakes annually, often accompanied by volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. China has a tragic history of deadly quakes, including the 2008 Sichuan disaster that killed tens of thousands. The Philippines faces similar risks due to its mountainous terrain and frequent storms, which heighten landslide dangers. Iran, located on several fault lines, regularly experiences destructive quakes, such as the 1990 Gilan event that claimed over 40,000 lives. Despite these risks, all five nations have strengthened disaster preparedness and public awareness to mitigate earthquake impacts.

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon expressed deep concern over Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels while promoting her upcoming film 'Tere Ishq Mein'. Speaking at the event, she noted that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had exceeded 430, posing severe health risks. Sanon said the toxic air quality has become a serious issue that demands immediate attention. The worsening pollution has already disrupted several film shoots in Delhi, including the postponement of her film 'Cocktail 2', which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The actress urged authorities and citizens to take collective responsibility and implement effective measures before the situation deteriorates further. Kriti Sanon will next appear opposite South Indian actor Dhanush in director Aanand L. Rai’s 'Tere Ishq Mein'.

A road in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj has collapsed into a canal after dredging work was carried out using heavy machinery without draining the water, sparking public concern and criticism. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board, was meant to be executed through water drainage excavation. However, contractor Ataur Rahman Khan Ltd used dredgers instead, causing erosion that damaged roads connecting Majhbari and Bongkura villages. Locals, including students of nearby schools and madrasas, now face severe travel disruptions and safety risks. Residents accuse the contractor and supervising engineers of negligence and corruption, alleging that similar irregularities are occurring in other canal projects in the area. Officials from the Water Development Board and local administration have acknowledged the issue and promised prompt repairs. The incident highlights growing frustration over mismanagement in rural infrastructure projects.

A World Bank report released on November 24 warns that by 2030, around 90% of South Asia’s population will be exposed to extreme heat, while one in four people will face flood risks. The report highlights that rising salinity in water and soil will make life increasingly difficult in coastal areas. It criticizes current climate adaptation measures as low-cost and largely symbolic, noting the lack of substantial government initiatives. Jean Pem, World Bank Division Director, emphasized that Bangladesh is facing severe environmental challenges, which could worsen unless early disaster warning systems, smart agriculture, and adaptation budgets are expanded. Siddhartha Sharma, the Bank’s Chief Economist for South Asia, added that Bangladesh’s climate response remains slow, urging stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate action against the growing climate crisis.

The Directorate of Education and Engineering in Bangladesh has instructed all educational institutions to submit detailed reports on damages caused by the November 21 earthquake, which measured 5.7 on the Richter scale and originated near Narsingdi. A circular signed by Chief Engineer (acting) Md. Tarek Anwar Jahedi on November 23 directed secondary, higher, technical, and madrasa institutions to send scanned and soft copies of damage assessments by November 24. Government primary schools have also been asked to submit similar reports by November 27, including district and upazila names, number of damaged rooms, and estimated losses. The directive follows media reports indicating that several schools and colleges across multiple districts suffered structural damage during the tremor. Authorities aim to compile a comprehensive database to guide necessary repair and safety measures in affected educational facilities.

According to Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, India dominates the list of the world’s most polluted cities, with Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai among the top five. Delhi tops the list with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 450, indicating hazardous air conditions. Kolkata follows with a score of 248, while Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranks third with a score of 232, categorized as very unhealthy. Pakistan’s Karachi is fourth with 209, and Mumbai is fifth with 198. IQAir’s scale classifies air quality between 0–50 as good, 51–100 as moderate, 101–150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 as unhealthy, 201–300 as very unhealthy, and above 301 as hazardous. The data, collected on Sunday morning, highlights the severe air pollution crisis affecting major South Asian cities, posing serious health risks to millions of residents.

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered severe flooding across several Malaysian states, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. As of Monday morning, around 10,469 people have been relocated to temporary relief centers, up from about 9,000 the previous night. Kelantan is the worst-affected state, with districts such as Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Pasir Puteh, and Bachok inundated, displacing over 8,000 people. Authorities have opened 33 relief centers in the state to accommodate evacuees. In Perak, 946 residents have taken shelter across several districts, while northern regions like Kedah, Perlis, and Penang have also reported evacuations. Smaller numbers of displaced people have been reported in Terengganu and Selangor. The floods, caused by the northeast monsoon, have disrupted daily life and raised concerns about further rainfall in the coming days as emergency services continue rescue and relief operations.

Following a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Dhaka, several of Dhaka University’s aging dormitories developed cracks and falling plaster, injuring around 30 students and sparking panic. The university administration has closed the campus for 15 days and ordered all residential students to vacate by November 23. Students, however, criticized the sudden move, arguing that the crisis stems from years of neglect rather than a new emergency. Dormitories including Ziaur Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, and Shamsunnahar Hall were found to be in critical condition, with some structures reportedly leaning. BUET experts will inspect all old buildings and assess structural risks. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan announced a Tk 149 crore renovation project starting in December and a larger Tk 2,841 crore development plan to build new dormitories by 2026. Student protests briefly erupted demanding safer accommodation and suspension of the closure order.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has instructed its member factories to conduct immediate structural inspections of their buildings following a powerful earthquake that struck the country on November 21. The association warned of possible aftershocks and urged factory owners to strengthen safety measures to protect workers and assets. In a circular, BGMEA emphasized that large earthquakes can be followed by additional tremors posing serious risks to life and property. It recommended that qualified engineers examine factory structures, lifts, boiler rooms, generator rooms, and substations for any damage. The organization noted that Bangladesh’s garment sector employs a vast workforce, making structural integrity crucial for worker safety. BGMEA also highlighted that factory equipment such as lifts and generators produce regular vibrations, which could worsen existing structural weaknesses. The association called on all members to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid potential accidents and casualties.

Northern Bangladesh is experiencing an early onset of winter as temperatures in Tetulia, Panchagarh, dropped to 12.6°C on Sunday, marking the lowest in the country this season. The region has seen chilly winds and dense fog from dawn to mid-morning, disrupting daily life and increasing hardship for laborers. According to the Tetulia Meteorological Office, temperatures have been steadily declining and a cold wave is expected to hit by late November, with multiple waves likely in early December, potentially bringing temperatures down to around 10°C. The cold weather has also led to a rise in cold-related illnesses among children and the elderly. Doctors at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital report that 250–300 patients are seeking treatment daily for cold-related ailments as the region braces for an intensifying winter.

More than 2,100 people have been displaced after sudden floods struck three Malaysian states—Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu—due to ongoing monsoon rains. Kedah has recently been added to the list of affected regions, with 225 residents from 66 families taking shelter in three relief centers in Kulim district. In Kelantan, the situation has worsened, with the number of evacuees rising from 1,170 on Saturday night to 1,623 by Sunday morning. Twelve relief centers are currently operating across Kota Bharu, Tumpat, and Bachok districts, where continuous heavy rainfall has been reported since Friday. In Terengganu, conditions have slightly improved, with 264 people still sheltered at Kampung Pulau Redang Mosque relief center. Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings for seven states, including Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka, and Sabah, urging residents in vulnerable districts to remain cautious.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Monitoring Centre has issued an early warning of a possible major earthquake following a series of mild tremors that shook Dhaka and surrounding areas within eight hours on Saturday, November 22. The warning came after a 5.7-magnitude quake struck Bangladesh on Friday, leaving experts concerned about the frequency of seismic activity. According to Dr. Mehedi Ahmed Ansari of BUET, Bangladesh has long been at high risk of earthquakes and is divided into three seismic zones, with Zone-1 being the most vulnerable. The Earthquake Monitoring Centre’s acting officer, Rubaiyat Kabir, urged preparedness and vigilance. Global data from Earthquaketracker.com reported 91 quakes worldwide in the past 24 hours and 852 over the last week, underscoring heightened global seismic activity. The local tremors measured between 3.3 and 4.3 magnitudes, with epicenters near Narsingdi’s Palash area, about 29 kilometers northeast of Dhaka.