Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and agencies to work in coordination to reduce carbon emissions and enhance Bangladesh’s potential for earning carbon credits in international markets. He issued the directive during a climate change meeting held on Sunday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Prime Minister also instructed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to prepare a comprehensive action plan.

During the meeting, he emphasized expanding renewable energy use, adopting eco-friendly technologies in industries, improving energy efficiency, conserving forests, and increasing tree plantation to enhance carbon absorption. He further stressed ensuring transparency in carbon credit management, developing a reliable data system, and strengthening coordination with international organizations.

Officials attending the meeting stated that effective implementation of emission reduction initiatives could increase Bangladesh’s opportunities to earn carbon credits under international standards.

Super Typhoon Bavi is moving toward the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting both administrations to declare a state of emergency. The storm, with sustained winds of 259 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 314 kilometers per hour, was located several hundred kilometers east of the islands on Saturday morning local time. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that the system is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, leading to the suspension of many events planned for the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

The National Weather Service warned that the current forecast poses serious concern for the Mariana Islands and urged residents to prepare for at least tropical storm conditions. In the islands, home to about 200,000 people, residents have crowded fuel stations, hardware stores, and supermarkets to stock up on food, bottled water, plywood, batteries, candles, and other essentials. Local residents and resort workers have been securing properties and supplies to minimize damage and ensure quick recovery after the storm.

Authorities and communities are focusing on readiness and coordination to reduce potential losses as the typhoon nears.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast increased rainfall across the country from Sunday due to a low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas. The system has intensified into a well-marked low, prompting expectations of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sylhet, Chattogram, and coastal regions. The department reported that most parts of the country have been experiencing temperatures between 35°C and 37.6°C, with Rangpur recording the highest at 37.6°C on Saturday.

Meteorologists said the monsoon is moderately active over Bangladesh, and rain is likely to spread to Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions throughout the week. Ports have been advised to hoist cautionary signals, and river ports have been asked to operate carefully due to possible gusty winds and thunderstorms. Farmers expect the rainfall to aid Aman paddy seedbed preparation, which had been hampered by prolonged dry weather.

Authorities warned that excessive rainfall could trigger short-term flooding in low-lying areas of northern, northeastern, and southeastern Bangladesh. While temperatures may drop slightly, humidity is expected to keep the weather uncomfortably humid for several more days.

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a monthly 'Cleaning Day' program to implement Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive for a cleaner city. The initiative, held on the first Saturday of every month, aims to make the weekly cleanliness day more effective by directly involving citizens in urban cleaning activities. The latest event took place on July 4 in the Shantinagar area, covering DSCC regions 1 and 2, with Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam attending as chief guest.

Under the program, residents, institutions, and businesses are encouraged to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, dispose of waste at designated spots, and remain alert against dengue. The day-long activities included cleaning drives, awareness rallies, leaflet distribution, and calls for stronger social partnerships to ensure sustainable waste management.

Abdus Salam emphasized that building a clean and dengue-free city requires joint efforts from both citizens and the city corporation. He noted that behavioral change among residents is vital, and DSCC will intensify awareness campaigns to make cleanliness a daily habit.

Severe flooding across Ghana this week has killed at least 34 people and displaced 89,736 others, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Richard Amo Yartey, director of NADMO’s inspection department, confirmed the figures on Friday, noting that 12 of the deaths occurred in the capital, Accra. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams continue to locate missing persons.

Yartey told local media that emergency teams are still working to find those unaccounted for while distributing relief supplies to affected communities. NADMO reported that seven regions have been impacted by the floods, with the Greater Accra Region suffering the most severe damage, displacing 54,712 people. The Central Region followed with 21,882 displaced, while Volta, Western, Ashanti, Western North, and Eastern regions also reported significant impacts.

Officials indicated that ongoing rescue and relief operations remain a priority as authorities assess the full extent of the disaster and continue verifying missing persons’ data.

A severe heatwave across the United States disrupted the country’s 250th Independence Day celebrations on July 4, forcing cancellations of major events from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Colorado. One of the largest parades, Philadelphia’s ‘Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade,’ was called off due to dangerous heat conditions. The National Weather Service reported that over 165 million people across the eastern and midwestern regions endured record-breaking temperatures, with several outdoor festivities suspended for public safety.

In Washington, D.C., the ‘Great American State Fair’ was temporarily closed after multiple visitors suffered heat-related illnesses, and at least 11 people were hospitalized. Authorities urged residents and tourists to take precautions as the heat index in cities like Philadelphia and Washington was expected to exceed 110°F. Despite the warnings, President Donald Trump confirmed plans to deliver his Independence Day speech outdoors. Meteorologists warned that the heatwave, already among the most intense in decades, would persist through the weekend.

Forecasters predicted that the extreme heat would spread further south and west from Sunday, reaching the southeastern United States and parts of Canada. Experts linked the prolonged and widespread heatwave to human-induced climate change, which has intensified global temperature extremes.

Severe heat disrupted Independence Day celebrations across the United States on July 4, 2026, leading to the cancellation of numerous events from New Jersey to Colorado. In Washington D.C., the Great American State Fair was temporarily closed for safety reasons before reopening later in the day. The National Weather Service reported that more than 165 million people across the East Coast and Midwest endured record-breaking temperatures, with Washington D.C. reaching 103°F and Philadelphia 104°F.

Organizers cited public safety as their top priority, while emergency services treated several visitors for heat-related illnesses. In Philadelphia, the major 'Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade' was canceled, and D.C.’s 'A Capitol Fourth' concert delayed public entry due to the extreme conditions. President Donald Trump continued with plans for an outdoor speech marking the nation’s 250th anniversary despite the heat warnings.

Meteorologists forecast that the heatwave would persist through the weekend, potentially followed by severe thunderstorms in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Experts linked the intensity and frequency of such heatwaves to human-induced climate change, warning that global temperatures will continue to rise without significant emission reductions.

Health authorities in France, Belgium and the Netherlands have reported at least 3,700 deaths linked to a recent severe heatwave that swept across Europe. Officials cautioned that the figure is preliminary and could increase as more data becomes available. The heatwave, which lasted from June 20 to 28, disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure and placed heavy pressure on hospitals.

In France, about 2,025 excess deaths were recorded, with a sharp rise among people over 45, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. Between June 22 and 28, home deaths rose by 91 percent compared with the previous week, and fatalities also increased in nursing homes and healthcare centers. The French public health agency warned that the actual toll may exceed initial estimates.

Belgium reported around 1,200 excess deaths between June 18 and 29, including 530 people aged 85 or older and 180 under 65. Authorities described the situation as unprecedented. In the Netherlands, officials said roughly 480 additional deaths occurred, mostly among those over 80. Scientists noted that climate change has almost certainly intensified the extreme heat.

A massive wildfire has erupted in Colorado, United States, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The blaze, spreading rapidly southwest of Denver, has been intensified by strong winds in southern Colorado. The Aspen Acres Fire alone expanded by 44 square kilometers overnight, burning a total of 272 square kilometers and destroying more than 160 homes and structures. Authorities have ordered about 2,200 residents of Colorado City to leave, along with people in Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel.

Smoke from the fires has reduced visibility on parts of Interstate 25 to half a mile, complicating travel. Around 50 members of the Colorado National Guard have been deployed to assist with road checkpoints and restrict boat traffic on Pueblo Reservoir, where firefighters are collecting water to combat the flames. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control has issued smoke alerts across the state and canceled many fireworks events due to extreme fire risk.

The National Weather Service has maintained red flag warnings across most of Colorado, citing hot, dry, and windy conditions. Meteorologists said weekend rainfall could reduce fire danger but might trigger flash floods in burned areas.

In Shibchar upazila of Madaripur, the modern and eco-friendly mulching method is rapidly gaining popularity among vegetable farmers. The technique, which uses plastic sheets to cover soil beds with holes for planting, allows for higher yields at lower cost and in less time. Farmers are increasingly shifting from traditional methods to this technology-based cultivation, opening new opportunities for safe and pesticide-free vegetable production.

Field visits show that crops such as cucumber, bitter gourd, chili, bottle gourd, tomato, okra, and sponge gourd are being grown using mulching. The method helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce pest attacks, cutting down on irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide use. Although initial setup costs are slightly higher, the same beds can be reused for multiple harvests, and crops reach markets 10 to 15 days earlier, increasing profits.

According to the Shibchar Agriculture Office, around 200 bighas of land are now under mulching cultivation, mainly for chili, bitter gourd, and cucumber. Officials and experts say the expansion of this technology could lower production costs, boost farmers’ income, and positively impact the agricultural economy.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that the government will take all necessary measures to protect the fish resources of the Haor region. Speaking on Friday afternoon at the inauguration of a fish fry release program at Uchipur playground in Madan upazila of Netrakona, he urged local residents to stop catching mother and juvenile fish and to remain patient as development initiatives are implemented.

Tuku stated that 16 tons of fish fry have already been released into the Haor and warned against destroying future resources for short-term profit. He assured that infrastructure development, including roads, will proceed gradually for the benefit of local people. Railways and Road Transport State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib, attending as a special guest, said that large-scale fish fry release will continue and that refraining from fishing for four months could significantly increase production and reduce local hardship.

The event was chaired by Madan Upazila BNP President Nurul Alam Talukdar and attended by officials from the Fisheries Department, the ministry, and local administration.

Hilsa production in Bangladesh has fallen to its lowest level in eight years, leading to soaring prices and growing hardship for fishermen. According to official data, production dropped to 500,000 tons in the 2024–25 fiscal year, down from 529,000 tons the previous year. Despite government reports claiming steady growth, fishermen and traders in Chandpur say the actual catch has declined sharply, with many struggling to recover fuel and labor costs. Large hilsa now sells for 3,500–4,000 taka per kilogram, while smaller fish cost 2,000–3,000 taka.

Fishermen blame climate change, reduced river flow, and the rise of sandbars in the Padma and Meghna rivers for disrupting breeding and migration routes. Pollution from industrial waste and illegal fishing nets have further worsened the situation. Local fish traders report that daily hilsa supply at Chandpur’s market has dropped from over 1,000 maunds in 2020 to just 200–300 maunds today.

Experts warn that without effective dredging, pollution control, and enforcement against illegal nets, the national fish could face an even deeper crisis in the coming years.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that the government will ensure unrestricted fishing rights for genuine fishermen in all open water bodies across the country. He made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists at the Netrakona Circuit House, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of fishermen in the haor regions.

The minister said the government is determined to uphold the fair rights of real fishermen under the principle of “Jal jar, jala tar,” meaning those who own the nets should have access to the waters. He noted that the lease system had allowed influential groups to occupy water bodies and prevent ordinary fishermen from fishing, but the government is taking legal steps to remove such obstacles. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives for dredging rivers and canals to maintain navigability and improve fishery management.

According to the minister, these measures aim to ensure sustainable fishery resources, prevent waterlogging, and make water bodies more suitable for fish cultivation, thereby supporting rural livelihoods.

Five members of parliament have jointly taken an initiative to build a sustainable embankment along the left bank of the Jamuna River, stretching from Bhuyapur in Tangail to Manikganj. The announcement came from Amirul Islam Khan Alim, MP for Sirajganj-5 (Belkuchi-Chauhali), during his visit to the erosion-affected Char Salimabad area of Bagutia Union in Chauhali on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Before the announcement, the MP distributed free saplings under the government’s annual tree plantation program and provided relief to families affected by river erosion, including corrugated iron sheets, cash, and rice. He also inaugurated a geo-bag dumping operation aimed at temporarily controlling the ongoing erosion.

Alim stated that the geo-bag dumping is an emergency measure to curb the immediate damage, while the proposed embankment project seeks permanent protection for the region. He expressed optimism that once approved, the project would free local residents from the recurring threat of river erosion.

The United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the ongoing El Niño event is expected to strengthen rapidly between July and September 2026. The agency said the phenomenon, which has already begun, could reach the “strong” category—the third-highest level in its classification system. WMO urged countries to prepare for potential impacts, including increased risks of extreme weather events across many regions.

El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by rising sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, disrupting global wind, pressure, and rainfall patterns. The WMO’s Global Seasonal Climate Update indicated that sea surface temperature anomalies could exceed 2°C in key monitoring areas. The organization noted high confidence in forecasts showing continued warming, with effects expected to intensify through the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the strengthening El Niño could heighten risks of droughts, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves on land and at sea. The agency is expanding early warning support, particularly for climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and health, to help reduce impacts on lives and economies.