Phulbaria upazila in Mymensingh, covering 399 square kilometers, is rich in natural and historical resources but remains underdeveloped as a full-fledged tourist destination due to insufficient government and private initiatives. The area features the country’s largest enclosed wetland, Barabila, and the mysterious Nabaikuri, which attract visitors with lotus blooms and migratory birds. Nearby stands the legendary site of King Anai’s palace, tied to a local folktale that continues to intrigue tourists.

Santoshpur forest, with its dense sal and gazari trees, wildlife, and a large rubber plantation, offers another attraction. The area’s “social monkeys,” known for their friendly behavior with visitors, have become a highlight. Other notable sites include the privately owned Deepto Orchid Garden in Dulma village, the historic Tamaltala Guptabrindaban, and a privately developed park in Betbari. Visitors can reach Phulbaria from Mymensingh for a modest travel cost.

Locals believe that with proper planning and investment, Phulbaria could emerge as one of Bangladesh’s most appealing tourism zones, generating significant annual revenue.

Two farmers were killed and four others injured when lightning struck an onion field in Kharibaria village under Umedpur Union of Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah on Saturday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Apu Biswas, 20, son of Prokash Biswas of Kharibaria village, and Samir Biswas, 40, son of Sushil Biswas of Laxmipur village. The injured included Ranjit Biswas and Prokash Biswas among others.

According to Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla, the farmers were working in the field when the lightning struck, killing two on the spot and injuring four others. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, where two received primary treatment and were later released.

Duty doctor Ehtesham Shahid at the health complex said the victims suffered severe burns from the lightning strike.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office has issued a warning that strong storms with wind speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour may sweep across 19 districts. The advisory, valid until 1 a.m. on Saturday night, also forecasts rain or thundershowers in the affected areas. The districts include Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Dhaka, Faridpur, Mymensingh, Jashore, Kushtia, Madaripur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Sylhet. River ports in these regions have been instructed to hoist warning signal number one.

A separate weather bulletin noted that an extension of a low-pressure area lies over West Bengal and nearby regions of India, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under these conditions, temporary gusty winds accompanied by lightning and rain or thundershowers are likely across all divisions of the country over the next few days.

The forecast indicates unstable weather patterns, suggesting possible disruptions to river transport and outdoor activities in the affected districts.

A farmer was killed and two others were seriously injured when lightning struck a wheat field in the Shihara Union border area of Patnitala upazila in Naogaon on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026. The deceased was identified as Ashraf Hossain, 38, son of Ainal Haque of Shitalmat village. The injured, Tarek Hossain, 35, and Sharif Hossain, 36, were taken to Sapahar Upazila Health Complex in critical condition.

Local residents said the three farmers were harvesting wheat when the lightning struck suddenly. The incident caused panic in the area as all three victims were from the same village. Shihara Union Parishad Chairman Tofazzal Hossain confirmed that one person died on the spot due to the natural disaster, while the other two were hospitalized.

Patnitala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman Asad also confirmed the death and injuries resulting from the lightning strike.

Seven people were killed and five others injured in a series of avalanches that struck the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The incidents occurred between Zero Point and Minimarg, where several vehicles were buried under snow and debris. The casualties were reported as rescue efforts continued in the affected area.

India’s federal minister and Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader Jitendra Singh confirmed the deaths and injuries in a post on social media platform X. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The avalanches disrupted traffic and caused significant damage along the highway, a key route connecting Srinagar with Leh.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as weather conditions remain unstable in the region, raising concerns about further avalanches and travel disruptions.

A stretch of the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway passing through Gazipur’s Bhawal forest has become a visual attraction due to colorful flowers planted along its central divider. The four-lane road, one of the busiest in Bangladesh, now features white, pink, and red blossoms that delight travelers and pedestrians. Many visitors stop to take photos or videos, sharing them on social media, turning the highway into an emerging destination for nature lovers.

The beautification effort, led by the Gazipur Roads and Highways Department, includes thousands of saplings of various species such as krishnachura, radhachura, jarul, and raktokorobi. Officials say the project aims to make the highway both scenic and environmentally friendly. Environmentalists note that the greenery helps reduce air pollution, noise, and glare from vehicle headlights.

However, authorities and locals warn that uncontrolled crowds and risky behavior—such as standing on the divider for photos—pose safety hazards and threaten the plants. They urge stronger traffic enforcement and public awareness to preserve the beauty and safety of the area.

The government of Bangladesh has proposed major amendments to strengthen laws protecting rivers, canals, and coastal areas. Under the draft National River Protection Commission (Amendment) Act 2026, illegal occupation of river land or obstruction of recovery operations will be treated as criminal offenses with doubled penalties. Unlawful extraction of sand, stones, or soil, as well as pollution or damage to navigability, could result in up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to 1.5 million taka. The draft also grants all rivers legal personhood and living entity status.

The proposed law aims to make the National River Protection Commission an independent statutory body with authority to investigate, inspect, and take legal action against river encroachment and pollution by any public or private entity. It would also serve as the legal guardian of rivers, canals, and coastal zones. Before any development project near rivers or canals, prior approval from the commission would be mandatory.

Environmental expert Sharif Jamil welcomed the initiative as a positive step for river protection but cautioned that the law’s effectiveness would depend on ensuring the commission’s independence and enforcement capacity.

The confluence of the Padma, Meghna, and Dakatia rivers in Chandpur has become a major attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists. Visitors are drawn by the area’s natural beauty, where the rivers meet to create a sea-like landscape. During Eid and other festive occasions, crowds gather to enjoy boat rides, local food, and the scenic sunset views. The site offers free entry, children’s play areas, and various entertainment options, making it a popular destination year-round.

Chandpur’s municipal administrator Ershad Uddin said the growing number of visitors during Eid has been challenging to manage. He noted that plans are underway to expand facilities at the confluence and the nearby “Mini Cox’s Bazar.” Local MP Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik stated that tourism development is part of his five-year plan, including a walkway from the New Market–Old Market Bridge to the launch terminal, new hotels, restaurants, cable cars, and floating eateries.

Officials said they intend to seek financial support from the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation to enhance the area’s infrastructure and make Chandpur’s tourist spots more attractive.

A sudden midnight hailstorm struck Nilphamari district’s Domar and Jaldhaka upazilas late Saturday, causing extensive damage to crops and homes. The storm, accompanied by strong winds, left residents struggling as hail battered fields and rooftops, disrupting normal life in the affected areas.

According to local sources, large areas of farmland cultivating maize, chili, potato, and paddy were severely damaged, with many crops flattened to the ground. The intensity of the hailstorm also punctured tin roofs of numerous houses, allowing rainwater to enter and creating panic among residents. Several Hindu religious puja mandaps were also reported damaged.

Locals said they had not witnessed such a severe hailstorm in the past five to seven years. The Department of Agricultural Extension’s deputy director, Manjur Rahman, stated that field inspections are underway to assess the extent of the losses, though no official damage statistics have yet been released.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has directed authorities to quickly recover nearly seven acres of encroached land belonging to the National Zoo in Mirpur, Dhaka. The instruction came during his unannounced visit to the zoo on Friday, where he entered as a regular visitor by purchasing a ticket. During the inspection, he also ordered immediate improvements in public facilities, including more toilets, expanded seating areas, road repairs, cleanliness, and an increase in the number of animals.

The minister stated that the visit aimed to assess the zoo’s management and environment firsthand. He spoke with zoo officials about animal nutrition, health management, and overall care, and also interacted with visitors to understand their concerns and expectations. He emphasized that visible development work must begin within the current budget.

Tuku noted that while food supply for animals was satisfactory, visitors expected a better environment. He said necessary steps would be taken to make the zoo more organized and visitor-friendly, highlighting its potential as a profitable and attractive public facility.

A devastating fire broke out on Thursday afternoon, March 26, in the Shura Bathan field area near Mia Bagan of Harinakundu upazila in Jhenaidah, burning down four betel leaf farms. Local residents estimated that the blaze caused a total loss of around six lakh taka for four farmers — three brothers named Mamun, Masum, and Ruhul, and another farmer, Emran Hossain.

According to local sources, the fire started suddenly in one of the farms and quickly spread to adjacent ones due to strong winds. Despite efforts by locals to control the flames, all four farms were completely destroyed before the fire was extinguished. Emran Hossain said he had taken loans from several institutions to run his farm and is now uncertain about repaying them.

Harinakundu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Kibria Hasan stated that a police investigation into the incident is ongoing. He added that the fire appears to be an accident rather than an act of sabotage.

A sudden and intense hailstorm on Tuesday night caused extensive damage to Boro rice fields across the haor regions of Kishoreganj, leaving thousands of farmers in Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain deeply worried. The storm, which began around 8 p.m. with strong winds and heavy rain, lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes and struck during a critical growth stage for the rice crop.

Farmers reported that the hail severely battered the rice plants, breaking stems and damaging the developing panicles, which could significantly reduce yields. Local farmer Nurul Islam Laldhon expressed sorrow, saying that hopes for a bumper harvest this year may be shattered by the untimely storm. The full extent of the damage will become clearer after field inspections.

Austagram Upazila Agriculture Officer Abhijit Sarkar said hail was reported in three unions of the upazila. He noted that officials would begin field visits early in the morning to assess the actual scale of the losses.

A 1.5-kilometer canal has been excavated through voluntary labor in Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj. The initiative was implemented on Monday in the Khama area of Egarosindur Union, where local residents worked throughout the day to connect the Khama Beel and Golduba Beel. More than a hundred volunteers participated in the digging and cleaning activities that began at 8 a.m. and continued until evening.

Organizers stated that the re-excavation of the canal will help reduce waterlogging in the area and enhance irrigation facilities for agriculture. The initiative was led by Khandaker Al Ashraf Mamun, former employment affairs secretary of the Jubo Dal central committee, who said the project was undertaken in response to public calls for community involvement. He expressed hope that local farmers would directly benefit from the canal and that agricultural productivity in the region would increase as a result.

The effort reflects a community-driven approach to addressing local water management and agricultural challenges in rural Kishoreganj.

At least 81 people have died in Kenya this March following continuous heavy rains that triggered flash floods across large parts of the country, authorities said on Sunday. The worst-hit areas include the capital Nairobi, where 37 deaths were reported. Thousands of families have been displaced, and extensive damage to infrastructure and property has been recorded. In Kisumu County, entire villages were submerged, destroying about 1,200 hectares of farmland. In Nyakach, over 3,000 families lost their homes, and residents sought refuge in eight overcrowded shelters.

Local reports described residents wading through knee-deep water and using boats to evacuate. Rising water levels near the Nairobi Dam prompted evacuation warnings amid fears of a possible breach, though the dam remained intact. Police confirmed that 2,690 families were displaced nationwide. Landslides in western Kenya also caused fatalities and buried several homes. Critics have called for Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s resignation, citing unfulfilled promises to improve drainage and road infrastructure.

Meteorological forecasts predict continued rainfall until Tuesday, and authorities have urged extreme caution. Scientists cited in the report link the intensifying weather patterns to human-induced climate change, which has increased both heavy rainfall and droughts in East Africa over the past two decades.

Dhaka recorded the world’s highest air pollution level on Monday, March 23, 2026, despite the city being largely empty during the long Eid holiday. According to data from Switzerland-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 188, categorizing the air as unhealthy for all residents. The report placed Dhaka at the top among cities in 127 countries.

IQAir’s 10:30 a.m. reading showed Beijing in second place with an AQI of 178, followed by Wuhan at 154, Kampala at 153, and Baghdad at 148. The organization regularly measures global air quality using the AQI system, which indicates pollution levels and associated health risks.

IQAir’s report identified fine particulate matter as the main source of Dhaka’s pollution. The high concentration of these particles poses serious health threats, including respiratory and heart diseases, and long-term risks such as cancer.