A mobile court in Vedarganj upazila of Shariatpur demolished an illegal lead production factory on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following allegations of severe environmental damage. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate K.M. Rafsan Rabbi, took place in the Mahishkandi area of Ramvadrpur Union and lasted several hours. Officials from the Department of Environment, Fire Service, and local police participated in the raid, during which the entire factory was destroyed using an excavator.

According to the mobile court, a group had been illegally collecting old batteries from various parts of the country, burning them to extract lead, and selling it to different businesses without any license or approval. Local residents complained that toxic smoke and waste from the factory had severely polluted the environment, causing illness and death among livestock. Authorities had previously fined and ordered the factory to shut down, but operations resumed secretly at night.

Officials stated that lead pollution poses a serious threat to public health, agriculture, and livestock, and assured that strict action against such illegal factories will continue. The demolition brought relief to local residents, who expressed hope for continued enforcement against environmental violations.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will observe ‘Jatka Conservation Week 2026’ from April 7 to 13, aiming to increase Hilsa production and ensure sustainable conservation. Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced the program at a press conference in Dhaka, stating that catching juvenile Hilsa (jatka) will be completely prohibited in rivers and the sea during this period. The inaugural event will be held on April 7 in Chandpur Sadar.

The minister said the government’s main goal is to enhance Hilsa production by enforcing seasonal fishing bans, establishing sanctuaries, and implementing the Fisheries Conservation Act effectively. He noted that these measures have helped raise Hilsa output to 500,000 metric tons in the 2024–25 fiscal year. However, challenges such as river siltation, climate change, and pollution continue to threaten this progress.

This year’s theme, “If we stop catching jatka, rivers and seas will be full of Hilsa,” will guide activities across 20 Hilsa-rich districts, with central and local programs planned to promote awareness and compliance.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a 58-day ban on all types of fishing in the Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas, effective from April 15 to June 11, 2026. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid made the announcement at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Monday, during the launch of ‘Jatka Conservation Week 2026’.

The minister said the conservation week, themed ‘Stop catching jatka, fill rivers and seas with hilsa,’ will be observed from April 7 to 13 across 20 hilsa-rich districts. During this period, authorities will monitor activities from the sea to local markets to prevent illegal jatka catching, trading, and storage. Additionally, a 22-day ban on jatka catching, transport, and sale will remain in place until June 30 to protect breeding fish.

Rashid also noted that no decision has yet been made regarding hilsa exports to India during the Bengali month of Baishakh, and that the matter will be decided by the Prime Minister’s Office.

In Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, allegations have surfaced that a government canal in Chhoto Baraihati village was illegally filled and part of the Gafargaon–Bormi regional road land excavated to build a fish farm. The action has raised fears of waterlogging during the monsoon and irrigation problems in the dry season for hundreds of farmers across several nearby villages.

The Baumra canal, also known locally as Shukline, runs through multiple unions before joining the Sutia River. Farmers depend on it for drainage and irrigation. Locals claim that Awami League activist Abul Kashem filled about 200 feet of the canal and dug a deep pond on occupied road land, creating risks for the adjacent road. Several residents, including retired army personnel and a freedom fighter, accused him of land grabbing and warned of potential road collapse.

Kashem denied the allegations, stating he only developed his own land. The local agriculture officer said an investigation would be conducted, while the upazila executive officer confirmed that filling a government canal is illegal and directed the assistant commissioner (land) to take action.

In Mongla upazila of Bagerhat, the historic Mamar Ghat area is gradually disappearing into the Pashur River due to severe erosion. Large portions of the riverbank have already collapsed, submerging significant land areas. The situation has caused serious concern and hardship among local traders, workers of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), and boatmen who rely on the river route for transport and trade.

On-site observations revealed that a major section of the riverbank near Mamar Ghat has broken away, leaving several nearby shops at risk, with some already partially damaged. Although there are no residential houses along the bank, business owners fear losing this vital commercial hub. Delwar Hossain, president of the Mongla Port Engine Boatmen’s Association, said that the erosion is disrupting docking and cargo operations, reducing income for boat operators.

Mongla Upazila Executive Officer and Port Municipality Administrator Sharmin Akter Sumi stated that the issue is being treated with urgency. Relevant departments have been informed, and immediate protective measures are being initiated to safeguard the town and its residents.

District Commissioner Mohammad Zahedul Islam Miah inaugurated a 10,000-tree plantation program at DC Park in Faujdarhat, Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s national goal of planting 2.5 billion trees in five years. On the first day, around 2,000 saplings of 54 species were planted across the park, with a target to complete 10,000 within a month.

The district commissioner said the program aims to restore environmental balance and offset trees cut for development. Plans include transforming DC Park into a modern, aesthetic, and eco-friendly space by planting Sonalu and Krishnachura trees, creating a visually striking design visible from aerial views. A large fruit orchard will also be developed on the park’s northern side, featuring mango, guava, jackfruit, and other species, envisioned as a future bird sanctuary.

He added that the park is expected to host the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebration instead of DC Hill. The initiative is intended to raise environmental awareness and contribute to climate resilience in the region.

Bangladesh is facing an escalating plastic pollution crisis, with about 3.9 million tons of plastic waste contaminating its water bodies, forests, and farmland each year. Only 19 percent of this waste is recycled, while the remaining 81 percent ends up in landfills and rivers, worsening environmental degradation. The widespread use of single-use plastics has intensified the problem, releasing toxic chemicals into soil and water and contributing to air pollution when burned. Dhaka has become one of the world’s most polluted cities, and microplastics have entered the food chain, posing serious health risks.

The article highlights that coastal areas such as Chattogram are suffering from marine pollution that threatens biodiversity, while poor communities face health hazards from burning plastic for livelihood. Scientists warn of long-term health impacts, and the economic cost of pollution is rising, with health expenditures consuming about three percent of GDP. The author calls for urgent government, civil society, and private sector collaboration to implement waste segregation, ban single-use plastics, and promote recycling.

The report emphasizes adopting a zero-waste system, strengthening recycling infrastructure, and encouraging natural alternatives like jute and bamboo products. Strong political commitment, public awareness, and producer responsibility policies are deemed essential for Bangladesh to transition toward a sustainable, circular economy.

A mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping across 27 districts of Bangladesh, including Khulna and Rajshahi divisions, causing severe discomfort in Dhaka and other regions. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the heatwave, which expanded from 17 districts the previous day, is expected to persist until Sunday. On Friday, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature at 39.7°C, while Dhaka reached 36.4°C. The department warned that temperatures could rise further by 1–2°C nationwide over the next two days.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque stated that although the heatwave’s extent has increased, it is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024 due to intermittent rainfall. In those years, heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively. Doctors have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses, particularly among children, and advised caution during the humid spell.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir forecasted possible relief starting Monday, with scattered rain, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms expected for three to four days across parts of the country.

A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the northwestern region of Bangladesh, causing widespread discomfort amid rising temperatures. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded on Friday to cover districts in Khulna and Rajshahi divisions as well as Tangail, Manikganj, Faridpur, and Nilphamari. The department forecasts that the situation may persist until Sunday, with daytime and nighttime temperatures expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said that Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature on Thursday at 38.5°C, followed by Mongla at 38°C and Rajshahi at 37.5°C. The lowest temperature was 19.7°C in Tetulia. The department also noted that this year’s heatwave is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024, when heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively, as intermittent rainfall is expected this time.

The weather office further predicted that two to four mild to moderate heatwaves and one to two severe ones may occur later in April, with temperatures possibly reaching 40–42°C. Some areas in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions may experience scattered rain, gusty winds, or hailstorms during this period.

Extensive waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall and blocked drainage has submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields across Sunamganj, leaving farmers in distress. Field visits revealed that many haor lands are under waist-deep water, with paddy stems rotting. Farmers blame the Utharia embankment for trapping water despite the presence of sluice gates. Some demand cutting the embankment to release water, while others fear it could flood the area further. The Water Development Board acknowledged waterlogging as a recurring issue and suggested new plans including sluice gates and canal excavation.

Farmers from multiple upazilas, including Tahirpur, Dirai, Jamalganj, and Madhyanagar, reported crop damage and sleepless nights fearing more rain. Many said hybrid paddy varieties are more vulnerable to submersion compared to traditional tall varieties. The Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that 1,189 hectares of land are already submerged and advised farmers to drain water quickly. The district administration held meetings with farmers and representatives to discuss long-term solutions and informed the government of the need for new water management plans.

This season, Boro cultivation covered about 223,000 hectares in Sunamganj, targeting 1.4 million metric tons of production, now at risk due to persistent waterlogging.

Supreme Court senior lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir has written an open letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging him to take effective measures to resolve waterlogging caused by rain in the Haor regions, including Sunamganj. The letter, posted on Facebook on Friday morning, appeals to the prime minister to visit the affected areas by helicopter and take immediate action to protect farmers whose single annual crop is being destroyed by stagnant water.

In his message, Monir emphasized that residents of Haor areas depend on one crop for their livelihood, which is now at risk due to persistent waterlogging. He requested the prime minister to consider deploying army personnel if necessary and to strengthen administrative efforts for drainage improvement across Sunamganj, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona. He also highlighted the need for increased canal excavation in Dirai-Shalla and warned that unplanned embankments are causing significant damage.

Monir concluded by expressing hope that the government’s ongoing canal excavation program would bring lasting relief to the region’s farmers.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that as global power competition intensifies, water will become the most strategic and valuable resource of the future, overtaking oil and carbon-based fuels. He made the remarks on Thursday during a public event, emphasizing that climate change, drought, population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are putting increasing pressure on global water resources.

Erdogan highlighted that 2.2 billion people currently lack access to safe drinking water, and according to the World Water Development Report, nearly 6 billion people may face shortages of clean water by 2050. He noted that only 2.5 percent of the world’s total water supply is fresh water, while the global population has risen from 3 billion in 1960 to over 8 billion today, with rainfall levels remaining unchanged.

He warned that as demand for clean water rises, rapid consumption and pollution are accelerating the depletion of water resources, making water a visible factor in regional armed conflicts.

Bangladesh is witnessing sharply contrasting weather conditions, with a heatwave intensifying across five divisions including Dhaka, while the northern district of Panchagarh remains shrouded in dense fog and cold air. On April 2 and 3, residents in Panchagarh experienced misty mornings, dew-covered fields, and a noticeable chill, unusual for the late spring season. The Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT) reported that temperatures in parts of Dhaka, Barishal, Rangpur, Khulna, and Rajshahi divisions could rise to between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius.

Local residents in Panchagarh expressed surprise at the return of cold weather, while doctors reported a rise in cold-related illnesses among children and the elderly. According to the Tetulia weather office, increased humidity and lower temperatures have caused steam fog formation, driven by active monsoon winds and sudden rainfall.

BWOT forecasts that the current heatwave may persist until April 6, with scattered thunderstorms offering brief relief. The national weather office also warned that a cyclone could form in the Bay of Bengal later in April, alongside severe nor’westers and hailstorms that may push temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that 445 shelters have been identified across Dhaka North and South City Corporations to prepare for potential earthquakes. He shared the information on Thursday afternoon after a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.

The minister stated that the government is considering including earthquake awareness in the national education curriculum as part of broader preparedness efforts. Teachers will also be brought under training programs to enhance their capacity in disaster response. In addition, a draft list of 145,000 volunteers from various organizations has been prepared to assist in managing post-earthquake situations.

These initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster readiness and community resilience in the capital city.

Honey collectors have started their seasonal honey harvesting in the Sundarbans after receiving 14-day government permits. Beginning on Wednesday, April 1, they entered the forest in groups through designated points under the supervision of the Forest Department. Despite following official procedures, collectors expressed concern over possible bandit activity, wildlife attacks, and natural disasters during their work.

According to local sources, banditry has long been a serious problem in the Sundarbans, with past incidents of fishermen and honey collectors being kidnapped for ransom. Although law enforcement operations have improved the situation, locals say fears of renewed bandit activity persist. Bagerhat District Forest Officer Rezaul Karim stated that necessary instructions have been issued to ensure the collectors’ safety, with forest guards maintaining constant monitoring and coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Local residents emphasized that as long as the threat of forest bandits remains, honey collectors continue to face significant risks and called for stronger protective measures.