Dhaka experienced a noticeable drop in temperature on Tuesday, with the mercury dipping to 17°C — the lowest recorded so far this season. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s (BMD) storm warning center, the capital and surrounding areas will see dry conditions with partly cloudy skies over the next six hours. Winds from the north and northwest are expected to flow at speeds between 6 and 12 kilometers per hour.

The BMD reported that humidity in Dhaka stood at 89% at 6 a.m., while the city’s maximum temperature on Monday reached 27.8°C. No rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours. Sunset is expected at 5:12 p.m., and sunrise tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. Nationwide, weather conditions are expected to remain dry, with nighttime temperatures likely to fall further.

Meteorologists suggest that the gradual cooling trend signals the onset of the winter season across Bangladesh, with cooler nights and mild days expected in the coming weeks.

A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan late Monday night, injuring at least 30 people and leaving more than 2,000 homes without electricity. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake’s epicenter was located about 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 50 kilometers beneath the seabed. The agency initially issued a tsunami warning, which was later lifted after no major waves were detected.

Authorities reported that around 70,000 residents from coastal areas of Aomori and nearby regions were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Prime Minister Sanae Takachi urged citizens to remain alert over the coming days, warning of possible aftershocks and advising households to secure belongings to prevent further damage. Geological experts also cautioned that additional seismic activity could follow.

Emergency crews are working to restore power and assess structural damage. While transportation services have resumed in most areas, officials continue to monitor infrastructure stability and provide shelter for displaced residents.

Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT) has forecast the season’s first mild cold wave, named ‘Parash,’ expected to affect parts of the country between December 14 and 20. The cold wave is likely to bring minimum temperatures down to 8–10°C in regions including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the lowest temperature recorded so far this season was 10.5°C in Tetulia, Panchagarh. Other areas such as Srimangal, Comilla, Naogaon, and Rajshahi have also reported temperatures between 11°C and 13°C. Meteorologists note that a cold wave is officially recognized when temperatures drop to 10°C or below.

Forecasts suggest that one or two cold waves may occur this month, ranging from mild to moderate intensity. Authorities advise residents, particularly in northern districts, to prepare for cooler nights and potential health impacts associated with the seasonal temperature drop.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a citywide campaign to remove all unauthorized banners, posters, and billboards from public and private spaces. The operation began Monday morning in the Science Lab area, with officials confirming that all unapproved materials will be cleared within a week. The initiative follows recent public notices warning that such displays violate city laws and electoral guidelines.

According to DSCC officials, the move is grounded in the City Corporation Act and the Wall Writing and Poster Control Act 2012, which allow for up to 15 days of imprisonment for unauthorized installations. The Election Commission’s directives have also been taken into account, especially ahead of upcoming political activities. Citizens and organizations have been urged to voluntarily remove unapproved materials to avoid legal action.

The campaign aims to improve Dhaka’s urban aesthetics and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. DSCC has indicated that similar drives will continue in other areas to maintain a cleaner and more organized city environment.

A November 21 earthquake damaged 22 of the 97 government primary schools in Agailjhara upazila of Barishal, Bangladesh. Among them, four schools—Ashoksen, Gaila Nonapukurpar, Taltarmath, and Dakshin Bagdha—suffered major structural cracks in beams, floors, walls, and roofs. The local education office has compiled a list of affected schools and forwarded it to higher authorities for repair and safety assessment.

Teachers and students are reportedly anxious about continuing classes in damaged buildings, fearing potential collapse during aftershocks. Parents have also expressed concern over sending their children to school under such conditions. Headteachers from several schools confirmed visible cracks and immediate reporting to the upazila education office.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Amjad Hossain stated that the list of affected schools has been submitted for urgent renovation approval. Local officials expect repair work to begin soon to ensure student safety and restore normal academic activities.

Bangladesh Railway has closed 20 unauthorized and high-risk level crossings along the Dhaka–Sylhet rail route passing through four upazilas of Habiganj district. The move aims to reduce frequent accidents and fatalities caused by unprotected crossings lacking safety infrastructure or signalmen. Railway officials confirmed that the closures are part of a phased plan to eliminate all 46 unauthorized crossings in the district.

According to the railway’s engineering division, the first phase targeted the most accident-prone points, with the remaining 26 crossings to be closed gradually. Many of these crossings were locally built without approval, posing serious safety hazards for both trains and pedestrians. However, local residents have expressed frustration, saying the closures were implemented without prior notice or alternative routes.

Residents and local leaders are urging authorities to construct overpasses or underpasses before closing crossings to prevent public hardship. Officials maintain that the closures are necessary to ensure passenger safety and reduce the risk of future train collisions.

A new report from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) reveals that around 70% of Bangladesh’s population still relies on smoke-producing, traditional cooking fuels. The study warns that exposure to such fuels poses serious respiratory and cardiovascular health risks, particularly for women. Despite some progress, Bangladesh’s adoption rate of clean cooking fuels remains the lowest in South Asia and significantly below the average for lower-middle-income countries.

Presented at a conference in Dhaka, the BIDS research highlights the growing role of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a cleaner alternative. Since 2009, Bangladesh’s LPG market has expanded more than twenty-fivefold, largely driven by private investment and government restrictions on household natural gas connections. Researchers noted that LPG has transitioned from a niche to a mainstream fuel.

The report urges policymakers to adopt integrated supply- and demand-side strategies to ensure sustainable LPG access. It emphasizes strengthening supply chains and targeting urban, female-headed, and remittance-receiving households to accelerate the shift toward clean cooking energy and meet the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Yakutat, Alaska, late Saturday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located about 230 miles northwest of Juneau and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the intensity, no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The tremor was felt across parts of Alaska and western Canada, prompting several emergency calls in Whitehorse, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Seismologist Alison Bird from Canada’s Geological Survey noted that the affected area was mountainous and sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of major structural damage. Residents reported items falling from shelves and walls shaking.

The USGS confirmed that the quake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the region for potential secondary impacts, though early assessments suggest limited disruption.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has conducted a cleanup operation in the Mohakhali area to remove illegal banners and festoons. The drive took place on Saturday, December 6, covering key locations such as Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Tajuddin Ahmed Road, Mohakhali Railgate, Setu Bhaban, Amtala Mor, and the Public Health gate area. DNCC officials said the operation was part of their regular efforts to maintain city cleanliness and remove unauthorized advertising materials.

According to DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, the corporation removed a total of 247,000 illegal banners, festoons, and posters during November alone. The DNCC recently issued a public notice instructing individuals and organizations to remove unauthorized advertisements within seven days or face fines and legal action. The notice also highlighted the growing problem of unapproved banners, LED signs, and billboards across the city.

The ongoing campaign reflects DNCC’s broader initiative to enforce urban regulations and improve the visual environment of Dhaka. Authorities have urged residents and businesses to cooperate in maintaining public spaces free from illegal advertisements.

A massive stingray weighing around 600 kilograms was caught in a fishing net off the Teknaf coast in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists. The rare marine creature, belonging to the stingray family and locally known as ‘Shapla Pata Maach,’ was hauled ashore with the help of several people after fishermen struggled to lift it onto their trawler.

According to local fisheries officials, the stingray is a fully protected species under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, which prohibits its capture, sale, or transport. Despite this, the fish was reportedly sold for 50,000 taka to a local trader. Authorities from the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division have launched an inquiry to determine who purchased and handled the protected animal.

Officials warned that violating wildlife protection laws can lead to up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 taka. Conservationists have urged stronger enforcement to prevent similar incidents as deep-sea species increasingly appear in shallow waters due to changing ocean conditions.

A new desalination plant project has been launched in the remote Kalabogi embankment area of Sutarkhali Union, Dakop, Khulna, to address the long-standing drinking water crisis faced by marginalized residents of the Sundarbans. The initiative, led by the Ex Notre Damians Welfare Foundation, began on December 6 with a community event collecting data from women representatives of low-income families who will receive around 3,000 liters of potable water daily from the plant.

The region’s rivers, ponds, and groundwater have become excessively saline and mineral-rich due to repeated floods and cyclones, rendering them undrinkable. Health experts note that women in coastal areas suffer severe reproductive and maternal health risks linked to high salinity, including hypertension, eclampsia, and maternal mortality.

Foundation representatives Dr. Shakil Arif Chowdhury and Dr. Dalilur Rahman announced that land acquisition and construction are underway, with water supply expected to begin by January next year, marking a significant step toward improving coastal health and resilience.

A new assessment by Bangladeshi experts has raised grave concerns about Dhaka’s earthquake preparedness, warning that a 6.9-magnitude quake along the Madhupur fault could cause nearly 40% of the capital’s buildings—over 850,000 structures—to collapse. Fatalities could reach up to half a million, with hundreds of thousands more seriously injured. Despite these risks, implementation of earthquake-resilient land use planning and structural safety audits has been stalled for over a year.

The World Bank–funded Urban Resilience Project, worth around Tk 5.68 billion, remains inactive due to bureaucratic disputes and institutional inertia. Experts from BUET and RAJUK have urged immediate integration of seismic-resilient land use plans into Dhaka’s master plan and the activation of modern testing equipment already procured. RAJUK officials say a new trust is being formed to oversee building fitness audits and ensure compliance with seismic codes.

Analysts warn that further delays could make Dhaka’s dense urban landscape increasingly perilous. The government has pledged to approve necessary legislation soon, but experts stress that only sustained enforcement and public compliance can avert a catastrophic outcome.

Sri Lanka’s government has announced a large-scale recovery plan to rebuild infrastructure and homes destroyed by Cyclone Dithwa, which left at least 607 people dead and 214 missing. The disaster, compounded by ongoing flood and landslide risks, has affected around two million people—nearly 10 percent of the country’s population. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared the situation a national disaster and pledged continued government efforts to assist affected communities.

According to the Finance Ministry, families who lost their homes will receive up to 10 million rupees (about USD 33,000) to purchase land and rebuild. Compensation of 1 million rupees will be provided to families of the deceased and those left permanently disabled. The Disaster Management Centre reported that over 71,000 houses were damaged and 5,000 completely destroyed, with 150,000 people still in shelters.

The cyclone struck as Sri Lanka was recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, intensifying fiscal pressures. Authorities have warned of further rainfall and landslide risks in coming days, urging displaced residents not to return home prematurely.

Northern Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as Tetulia, in Panchagarh district, recorded 10.5°C at 9 a.m. on Saturday, marking the lowest temperature of the current winter season. The humidity level stood at 94%, intensifying the cold sensation from early morning. Earlier in the week, the temperature had remained steady around 12°C for three consecutive days.

According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, the sudden fall in temperature signals the possibility of a cold wave in the coming days. Dense fog has also reduced road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on. On Friday, the maximum daytime temperature reached 27°C, showing a wide fluctuation between day and night temperatures.

Meteorologists warn that if the downward trend continues, northern districts could face an early cold wave this December, affecting daily life, agriculture, and transportation in the region.

Bangladesh’s northern district of Panchagarh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature, with Tetulia recording the country’s lowest temperature of 11°C early Saturday, according to the local weather office. The humidity level stood at 95 percent at 6 a.m., creating a biting cold that disrupted daily life and reduced outdoor movement. Dense fog has also limited road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on.

Officials at the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory noted that temperatures had hovered around 12°C for several days before dipping further. The persistent chill, combined with high humidity, has made conditions particularly difficult for outdoor workers, especially sand laborers working in rivers. Residents reported that even after sunrise, sunlight provided little warmth.

Meteorologists warned that the early onset of such low temperatures in December could indicate an approaching cold wave across northern Bangladesh. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions as the cold is expected to intensify in the coming days.