Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has issued warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods, and hail expected to hit several regions over the weekend. The most intense weather is forecast for Jazan, while Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca will experience moderate to heavy thunderstorms. Lighter rain is expected in Najran, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Medina. Strong surface winds and dust storms may reduce visibility, and fog could develop overnight in southwestern and eastern areas. Maritime conditions are also set to worsen, with waves reaching up to 2.5 meters in the southern Red Sea and 1.5 meters in the Arabian Gulf. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert, avoid flood-prone zones, and follow official weather updates as unstable seasonal patterns persist.

A sharp drop in temperature has gripped Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh, with the Tetulia weather station recording a minimum of 13.4°C early Thursday and humidity at 99%. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that a cold wave is likely to hit the region by the end of November as cold Himalayan winds continue to lower temperatures. Local laborers working outdoors, particularly those engaged in sand extraction from the Karatoa River, are struggling to cope with the biting cold. Residents report dense fog in the early mornings and freezing conditions until sunrise, with only slight relief during the day. Meteorologist Jitendranath Roy confirmed that temperatures have been steadily declining over recent days, signaling the onset of the season’s first cold wave.

Dhaka’s air quality has once again deteriorated to an “unhealthy” level, according to global air monitoring agency IQAir. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday (October 8), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 145, ranking fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Egypt’s Cairo topped the list with a score of 185, followed by Manama in Bahrain (183) and Kolkata in India (177). Although recent rainfall had temporarily improved air conditions in Dhaka, pollution levels have risen again due to ongoing urban and environmental factors. AQI scores between 151 and 200 are considered “unhealthy,” particularly affecting children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around seven million people die globally each year due to air pollution-related diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

From October 4 midnight to October 25, the government has imposed a strict 22-day ban on hilsa fishing across rivers and seas in Bangladesh to safeguard the prime breeding season. The prohibition covers not only catching hilsa but also the trading, transportation, storage, and marketing of all types of fish. Fishermen in Kuakata, Mahipur, and Alipur have secured their trawlers and plan to carry out necessary repairs during the ban. Each registered fisherman will receive 25 kilograms of VGF rice for sustenance. Authorities have announced strict monitoring through coordinated drives involving the fisheries department, administration, coast guard, naval police, RAB, and army. In Lakshmipur, more than 34,000 registered fishermen in Kamalnagar and Ramgati will face unemployment during the ban. The government has declared a 100-kilometer stretch of the Meghna River as a hilsa sanctuary, with drones deployed for surveillance to ensure full compliance.

At a high-level ministerial roundtable in Jeju, South Korea, Bangladesh’s Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan urged for global unity in sustainable plastic management. She emphasized collaborative efforts for carbon-neutral and zero-carbon development to combat climate change. Bangladesh expressed interest in partnerships on waste management, forest rehabilitation, and wildlife conservation. Rizwana Hasan also held bilateral meetings with South Korean officials and joined sessions on the Green Transition Initiative and plastic policy. The Korean side showed interest in long-term cooperation for a livable future.

Japan will provide a $5.45 million grant to help Bangladesh monitor air pollution. Representatives from both governments signed an agreement, with Bangladesh’s ERD Secretary, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, and JICA’s Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide as signatories. The Environment Ministry will implement the project from March 2025 to June 2028. It aims to measure and analyze air pollution, particularly vehicle emissions. Continuous air monitoring stations will be set up in Dhaka and Chattogram to track pollution levels.

Dhaka consistently ranks as the world’s most polluted city, with air quality reaching dangerously unhealthy levels. Experts blame construction dust, waste burning, brick kilns, and outdated vehicles, urging immediate action. WHO reports link air pollution to severe health risks, including heart disease and respiratory issues. The High Court has ordered authorities to take urgent measures. IQAir data shows Dhaka’s AQI scores frequently exceed 300, highlighting the critical need for sustainable solutions and public awareness to combat this crisis.

The Rajshahi Forest Department is seeking two vloggers, Al-Amin and Tuli, for posting viral videos of eating egrets and wild ducks, violating the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. A memorandum by Youth Action for Social Change urged swift legal action and conservation measures. The vloggers face penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Authorities are preparing a case, with law enforcement tasked to locate them. Conservationists demand protecting bird habitats and preventing hunting and pollution.