Dhaka has returned to the list of the world’s ten most polluted cities as air quality worsened following a reduction in rainfall. According to the international Air Quality Index (AQI) at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, the city recorded a score of 107, placing it ninth among 127 major polluted cities worldwide. The AQI categorized Dhaka’s air as ‘unhealthy’ for sensitive groups, reversing the temporary improvement seen during the Eid holidays and continuous rain.

The index showed Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the top with a score of 273, followed by Johannesburg in South Africa with 163 and Santiago in Chile with 156. Kolkata in India and Lahore in Pakistan ranked fourth and fifth respectively. The AQI defines scores between 50 and 100 as ‘moderate,’ 101 to 150 as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ 151 to 200 as ‘unhealthy,’ 201 to 300 as ‘very unhealthy,’ and above 301 as ‘hazardous.’

The report highlights renewed health concerns for Dhaka residents as pollution levels rise again after a brief period of cleaner air.

A meteor traveling toward Earth exploded over the northeastern United States on Saturday, according to NASA. The agency reported that the blast released energy equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, producing a loud explosion that echoed across the region. NASA Deputy News Chief Jennifer Doren stated that the fireball broke apart at 2:06 p.m. local time over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire.

Doren clarified that the meteor was not part of any active meteor shower but a natural celestial object, unrelated to space debris or satellite reentry. NASA data indicated the meteor was traveling at more than 75,000 miles per hour and disintegrated roughly 40 miles above the ground, causing the intense sound.

Residents in the affected areas reported being startled by the sudden noise, with some saying their homes shook. NASA referenced the 2013 Chelyabinsk event in Russia for comparison, where a much larger meteor exploded with far greater energy and caused injuries and property damage.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that although rainfall has decreased across the country, there is no immediate risk of severe heat. On Sunday, skies over Dhaka were partly cloudy with no chance of rain, while temperatures were expected to rise nationwide. On Saturday evening, Rangamati recorded the highest temperature at 37°C, and Dhaka saw less than one millimeter of rain.

Meteorologist Dr. Omar Faruk said that scattered light rain may continue in parts of the country, with moderate to heavy rainfall possible in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions. He added that the southwest monsoon could begin advancing through the Teknaf coast around June 3, increasing rainfall and signaling the onset of the monsoon season. During that time, humidity may rise, leading to a humid atmosphere.

Despite the temperature increase, the weather office noted that the likelihood of oppressive heat remains low because the south wind has weakened and humidity levels are below normal.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast temporary gusty or squally winds accompanied by rain or thundershowers in several regions by 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026. River ports in the affected areas have been advised to display cautionary signal number one. The warning was issued by the Storm Warning Centre for inland river ports, covering the period from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

According to the forecast, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar regions may experience winds from the west or northwest at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour, along with rain or thundershowers. The department also noted that parts of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions could see moderate to heavy rainfall, while scattered light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions.

The forecast added that daytime and nighttime temperatures across the country may rise slightly during this period.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that rainfall across the country will increase from June 5 as the southwest monsoon advances toward the Teknaf coast. Currently, the country is experiencing reduced rainfall and rising heat, with temperatures expected to climb further on Sunday. On Saturday evening, Rangamati recorded the highest temperature at 37 degrees Celsius, while Dhaka saw less than one millimeter of rain.

Meteorologist Shahinul Islam stated that although rainfall has decreased, scattered showers will continue across the country. Moderate to heavy rain is likely in parts of Sylhet and Chattogram divisions. The extended five-day weather outlook suggests that the southwest monsoon’s progression will bring more widespread rainfall.

Meanwhile, Khulna’s Koyra recorded 36 degrees Celsius, and Dhaka reached 35.2 degrees Celsius. The forecast indicates that temperatures may rise further before the expected increase in rainfall next week.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin-ur-Rashid announced that modern technology will be ensured for safe food production and agricultural enrichment. He made the statement on Saturday, May 30, during a virtual address at a seminar in Muradnagar, Cumilla, focused on agricultural modernization, safe food production, and integrating farmers into technology-based systems. A total of 120 agricultural entrepreneurs participated in the event.

The minister emphasized that agriculture today is not limited to food production but is a key driver of the economy, employment, and sustainable development. He said the government is prioritizing the use of modern technology, expanding research, and providing training to farmers to make agriculture more profitable and contemporary.

He added that the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have introduced new ideas and plans for agricultural development, calling for joint efforts from both public and private sectors to implement them. He highlighted that smart farming, improved seeds, balanced fertilizer management, and eco-friendly production methods will play vital roles in boosting productivity.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Qatar rejected a proposal to impose a permanent transit fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, said such a measure would ultimately place additional economic pressure on global consumers. He emphasized that Qatar and its Gulf partners oppose any long-term toll or fee system for maritime traffic in the strait.

However, Sheikh Saud indicated that discussions could be possible regarding temporary fees under specific circumstances. He noted that limited-time charges could be considered if they were linked to activities such as mine clearance or special security operations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy and trade routes. Ongoing talks between Iran and Oman about potential control mechanisms in the area have drawn attention to Qatar’s stance, which analysts view as significant for international trade and energy markets. Any new fees or restrictions in this passage could affect global energy supply and commodity prices.

Residents of Chilmari upazila in Kurigram staged a human chain and protest rally on Saturday afternoon at Fakirer Hat Ghat area of Raniganj Union, demanding an end to illegal sand extraction from the Brahmaputra River. Hundreds of men and women joined the demonstration, which concluded with protesters demolishing three toll booths used for sand transport and sales.

The event was presided over by Niharika Sharmin Deepi, a lecturer at Chilmari Mohila Degree College, and attended by Riverine People director and Begum Rokeya University professor Dr. Tuhin Wadud, along with local teachers, traders, and residents. Speakers alleged that illegal dredging was taking place openly under administrative watch, damaging embankments and roads built for riverbank protection. They accused a known group of continuing sand trade unchecked, putting riverside communities at risk of erosion.

Dr. Wadud criticized local authorities for failing to enforce river protection responsibilities and called for immediate action against those involved in illegal sand extraction. Attempts to contact the Chilmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer for comment were unsuccessful.

Japan’s population has fallen by 3.1 million over the past five years, reaching just above 123 million, according to preliminary results from the 2025 national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Friday. The data, reflecting figures up to October 1 of the previous year, show a 2.5 percent decline compared with the 2020 census, marking the largest population drop in the country’s history.

The census, conducted every five years since 1920, confirms that Japan’s population has now declined for the third consecutive time since the first recorded drop in 2015. Among Japan’s 47 prefectures, only Tokyo and Okinawa saw population increases—by 199,000 and 1,000 respectively—though both grew at a slower pace than before. Hokkaido experienced the steepest decline, losing 239,000 residents, followed by Shizuoka and Hyogo.

Despite the shrinking population, the number of households rose to a record 57.12 million, up by about 1.29 million from the previous census. The average household size fell from 2.26 to 2.15, which the ministry attributed to the growing trend of elderly people living alone. Final and detailed census results are expected in September.

The Babuganj upazila administration in Barishal has launched a special initiative to collect and preserve sacrificial animal hides left abandoned along the Barishal-Dhaka highway. The action followed reports that local madrasa and orphanage authorities, unable to sell the hides at fair prices, had discarded them after Eid-ul-Azha. Officials quickly dispatched teams to recover the hides and took steps to prevent spoilage.

According to local sources, the institutions had hoped to fund educational and humanitarian activities through the sale of the hides. However, a reported syndicate among tannery traders and unusually low market prices left them disappointed. Babuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Ul Husna stated that teachers could have sought help from the administration, which had arranged salt for preservation. She emphasized that proper storage could help institutions benefit financially in the future.

Local residents expressed concern over persistent instability in the leather market and the influence of middlemen, urging the government to ensure fair pricing for sacrificial hides.

On the third day of Eid-ul-Azha, waste removal from temporary cattle markets in Dhaka remained sluggish, particularly in areas under Dhaka North City Corporation such as Gabtoli and Uttara Diabari. Despite the end of animal sales two days earlier, piles of straw, fodder, and animal waste continued to emit foul odors, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass. Cleaners were seen working, but officials admitted that full cleanup could take several more days.

Field visits revealed that while parts of Uttara’s metro route had been cleared, surrounding roads were still covered in waste. In Gabtoli, main roads were mostly cleaned, but stains and odors persisted due to insufficient washing. Workers said dismantling bamboo structures was delaying progress, with some estimating up to a week for full clearance. DNCC official Md. Ziaur Rahman said cleanup of inner areas depended on leaseholders removing their materials first.

Meanwhile, new trees were being planted in damaged green zones near metro stations, though residents urged authorities to spray disinfectants to prevent disease spread from remaining waste.

Workers have started returning to Dhaka after the Eid holidays, with passenger movement visible at major terminals since Saturday morning. The seven-day holiday will end on Monday when offices and courts reopen, though some private offices will resume on Sunday. Crowds were seen at the city’s entry points and at Gabtoli, Sayedabad, and Mohakhali bus terminals.

Buses arriving from nearby districts such as Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, and Gazipur reported normal passenger loads. Train services to Dhaka were also operating smoothly. There were no reports of long waits or excessive fares, and transport operators said passengers were returning gradually due to the extended holiday period.

Travelers described their return to Dhaka as more comfortable this year because of relatively empty roads. However, passenger numbers are expected to rise significantly by Sunday afternoon as more people head back to the capital.

The Sadapathor area in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet has become crowded with tourists during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. On Saturday, the third day of Eid, visitors continued to arrive in large numbers. According to Bhulaganj police outpost in-charge Nur Mia, around 15,000 tourists visited the site on Friday, and the number appeared to double the following day.

Visitors from different parts of the country expressed both admiration and concern. A tourist from Barishal said his family enjoyed the natural beauty and refreshing waters but noted a shortage of changing booths and safety equipment such as life jackets and tubes. Another visitor from Dhaka described the scenic combination of Sadapathor’s white stones and nearby Indian hills as captivating.

Sadapathor Hotel and Resort CEO Mohammad Ramim Ahmad reported full bookings for three consecutive days after Eid, while police officials said law enforcement was maintaining regular monitoring to ensure safety. No untoward incidents were reported over the past two days.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed the expansion of alternative trade corridors through the country’s northern ports and neighboring nations to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and medicines. The order, issued during a meeting on Friday, aims to bypass U.S. sanctions affecting maritime routes and to accelerate the import and distribution of critical items.

The meeting, attended by Iran’s finance minister, central bank governor, and other officials, reviewed the latest situation regarding the supply and import of essential goods following restrictions on some southern entry points after the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Participants emphasized strengthening logistics, trade, and economic diplomacy to maintain market stability and supply chains.

Pezeshkian urged the use of capacities in Pakistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan for trade and called for faster implementation of related agreements. He also instructed the foreign ministry to enhance economic diplomacy to facilitate the purchase, transport, and clearance of vital goods and medicines, pledging to personally engage with neighboring and regional partners to remove obstacles.

More than 150 tourists who were stranded on Char Abdullah in the Meghna River at Ramgati, Lakshmipur, were rescued after five hours. The incident occurred on Friday evening when several engine boats carrying tourists went to the island for sightseeing. Soon after their arrival, a storm with heavy rain began, making the river turbulent and preventing their return. They were rescued around 12:30 a.m. and brought back to Alexander.

According to local administration sources, the rescue operation was carried out by the police and river police after receiving reports of the stranded tourists. Ramgati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Nipa confirmed the rescue on Saturday morning, stating that all tourists had safely returned home. Ramgati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan said the tourists were brought back once the tide rose at night.

The local administration expressed concern during the incident but confirmed that all individuals were rescued without harm and safely returned to their homes.