[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

[Saif]

Bangladesh sees one of warmest winters

The coldest month January ended rather warm, with barely any cold wave days, setting this winter well on the trajectory to become one of the warmest in the country’s history.

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh sees one of warmest winters
Emran Hossain 03 February, 2025, 00:14

The coldest month January ended rather warm, with barely any cold wave days, setting this winter well on the trajectory to become one of the warmest in the country’s history.

February is the last month of the three-month-long winter when cold waves occur but the temperature does not drop as much as in January, the second half of which coincides with the first half of the formidable winter month on the Bangla calendar —Magh.

Magh, used to bring punishing cold, so much so that it spawned myths like Magh makes even tigers shiver, has only 10 days to go with Sunday’s temperature hovered around 30C over vast swathes of the country, particularly cities and other urban areas.

Many said that they used ceiling fans day and night in the current peak of Magh with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicting the possibility of a brief cold wave before winter officially ends this month.

‘The average minimum temperature in January was 1.1C higher than what is usual,’ meteorologist AKM Nazmul Hoque told New Age.

January saw its lowest minimum temperature to drop to 7.3C on January 10 in Tetulia, which is also the lowest temperature recorded so far this winter.

Temperature dropped frequently below 7C over the last 15 years. Only four other Januaries have been as warm as the immediate past one, showed an analysis of 44 years of data preserved by the meteorology department.

The temperature did not drop below 7.3C, as it happened last in January in 2025, also in 1982, 1986, 2002 and 2009.

On January 28, 2024, the lowest temperature dropped to 5C at Dimla of Nilphamari. On January 20, the year before in 2023, the lowest temperature was recorded to be 5.6C in Srimangal of Moulvibazar.

In 2022, the lowest temperature was 6C, recorded on January 31 in Tetulia of Panchagarh.

Four cold waves, two lasting just one day each and the rest two three and four days, were recorded in this January.

January turning out this warm presented a sharp contrast to the beginning of winter in December when temperature saw a sharp drop middle of the month ushering in a cold wave. The temperature dropped to 8.4C on December 13 with the season’s first cold wave lasting for three days. The December 2024 was the coldest regarding the recorded lowest temperature in the 44 years since 1981, showed an analysis of the BMD data. The first cold wave this winter hit three weeks earlier than last year.

A cold wave, which can be mild, moderate and severe, reflects the fall of air temperature over a large area below 10C.

‘The circulation of air has been very strange this year,’ said Bazlur Rashid, a senior BMD meteorologist and climate researcher.

Winter arrives with the arrival of westerly, wind blowing from the west to east, particularly from the Mediterranean Sea, he explained.

This winter there has been a constant flow of wind from the Mediterranean, without almost any break, which was unusual, and the wind got blocked around Afghanistan, he said.

The strong westerly, which flows close to the surface, prevented Jet wind, upper atmosphere wind flowing above 18,000 feet, from taking its usual course.

Jet wind flows from the east to west, at a high speed exceeding 100kmph. The temperature in the jet wind starts at -20C. The temperature can reach -50C.

Jet wind descends close to the surface when westerly weakens, increasing the feeling of cold, which did not happen this year. Jet wind also got stuck around Afghanistan, almost never reaching either West Bengal or Bangladesh.

‘Jet wind needs to come down to 12,000 feet or even lower to lower the temperature and give the feeling of cold,’ said Bazlu, adding that the wind remained above 15,000 feet so far.

Jet wind usually passes over Bangladesh and its adjacent West Bengal during winter, which had not happened this winter.

Cloudless sky and absence of fog along with high land surface temperature has made the current winter feel rather warm, meteorologists have observed.

January was 99 per cent rain deficient as well, while December was 91 per cent rain deficient. Back to back low pressure formed in November and December, potentially contributing to cloudless skies by pulling clouds into them.

The temperature observations from Bangladesh showed a clear climate signal, with fewer and shorter cold waves in the recent decades, according to a BMD report titled ‘Changing climate of Bangladesh’, released in February last year.

Cold waves became concentrated in January in Dhaka division, the report said. There were some cases of cold waves in December and February as well, according to the report.

In one of the coldest areas of the country, Rangpur division, cold waves started early or mid-December throughout most of the period studied—1980–2023. The northern district recorded a cold wave even in November in 1981. But the period of cold waves appears to have been delayed over the past few years, starting at the third or fourth week of December or even in January, the report said.

Historically, cold waves were frequent in January and February but in recent years the end of February had been without any, the report said about Rangpur. In Rajshahi division, known for extreme heat during summer and intense cold during winter, the period of cold waves started in the first week of December up to 2006 but then decreased, indicating a delay in cold wave conditions.

In Rajshahi division in 2023, no cold spell was recorded in December at all. The number of cold wave days in December and February has decreased also, while a large number of cold wave days were observed in January throughout the period 1980–2023 in the division, the BMD report said.​

 

[Saif]

Our development model is poisoning Dhaka

True reform should involve policies that protect Dhaka’s residents and their right to a liveable city.

www.thedailystar.net

Our development model is poisoning Dhaka

People are being forced to organise movements to protect what's left of open, green spaces like Panthakunja Park. FILE PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

After the fall of a deeply corrupt and irresponsible government through a mass uprising, we believed that many things would improve. But our hopes have been shattered. One of our most critical concerns is related to survival—our ability to simply breathe and live.

Dhaka's air pollution remains among the worst in the world. The city continues to hold the infamous record of having the most hazardous air globally. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 300, the air is classified as "extremely dangerous." In some areas of Dhaka, AQI has surpassed 400, even approaching 500. Even on Sunday morning, Dhaka had the worst air in the world. At such levels, the concentration of harmful particulate matter in the air makes it dangerous for humans. The situation is dire, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The rate at which cases of respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, fever, cough, and lung infections are rising is alarming.

Despite these circumstances, we have not seen the government take meaningful steps to address the crisis. The situation has deteriorated to the point where people are forced to organise movements simply to protect open, green spaces like Bahadur Shah Park, Tetultola playground, Panthakunja Park, and Khilgaon playground in Dhaka, as well as in other cities. The previous government showed complete negligence to these issues, and we had hoped that the new interim government would be more responsive. However, this has not been the case.

For instance, the Panthakunja Park, which used to be a small open space with some trees, has been taken over for the construction of a ramp of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway. To prevent this, some young activists have been protesting on site for more than 50 days, and concerned citizens have expressed solidarity with them, yet the government has not responded positively. Instead, officials claim that these projects cannot be cancelled or revised. However, the ramp being built in Panthakunja was not a part of the original plan. It was introduced later to benefit certain private companies seeking to maximise their profits. An article by Kallol Mustafa recently published in this daily has detailed how such projects are often linked to private interests rather than genuine public needs.

There have been numerous proposals and projects to protect Dhaka's environment, including efforts to clean up the Buriganga River and other nearby rivers, to clean up the city's air. Loans worth hundreds of crores of taka have been organised from the World Bank and other lenders in the name of the environment's improvement. Yet, there are no visible results. Where has this money gone? Many argue that protecting the environment requires significant financial investment, but this is incorrect. Environmental protection does not require excessive funds, rather it requires stopping disastrous spending. In fact, unnecessary investments and projects that serve private interests are actively destroying the environment.

One of the primary causes of environmental degradation in Dhaka is unregulated construction. Without proper planning or assessment of long-term consequences, construction activities are going on unchecked. The construction sector now accounts for around eight percent of Bangladesh's GDP (2021). To maintain this economic growth, open spaces are being filled in, parks are being encroached upon, and land is being leased for commercial purposes. Even historic places like Bahadur Shah Park are being leased out for commercial purposes.

The fundamental issue here is that no serious effort is being put into reducing air pollution in Dhaka. Many of the environmental projects funded by international funding agencies such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have ironically contributed to its destruction instead. For example, under the guise of "social forestry" projects, natural forests in Bangladesh at various locations have been destroyed and replaced with commercial plantations of eucalyptus and acacia, which have had a devastating ecological impact. The destruction of the Chakaria Sundarbans is a prime example of that. In the name of energy development, Bangladesh has also built multiple coal-fired power plants, significantly increasing air pollution. While projects aimed at reducing pollution exist, the primary beneficiaries are consultants, bureaucrats who enjoy foreign trips, and individuals engaged in import-dependent activities.

Among other major causes for pollution are brick kilns, deforestation and river encroachments. Addressing these issues does not require massive financial investments; rather, it demands proper planning and decisive government action. Recently, the government attempted to ban polythene bags, but it was ineffective. One of the key reasons was the significant financial investment and employment tied to the polythene industry. Transitioning away from polythene to natural fibre-based alternatives requires a well-planned approach, including consultation with industry stakeholders and ensuring the availability of viable substitutes. But instead of implementing a structured transition plan, the government simply issued a top-down directive, which predictably failed.

Bangladesh has no shortage of natural fibres, and we could have developed a thriving industry around environment-friendly products to replace polythene. Unfortunately, there has been no development in the jute industry. Loans from the World Bank, rather than promoting jute-based alternatives, contributed to the industry's decline. Meanwhile, because of indiscriminate use of cheap polythene, Dhaka's drainage system remains clogged, leading to severe waterlogging and further river pollution.

Dhaka could have been a much healthier city. Surrounded by rivers, it had the potential to be an environmentally sustainable urban area. If its rivers had been preserved, its open spaces protected, and large-scale afforestation efforts undertaken, the city's air quality would have significantly improved. Adequate greenery—fruit-bearing trees, flowering plants, and natural forests—could have dramatically reduced disease rates and provided a much healthier living environment.

Instead, Dhaka is surrounded by countless brick kilns, despite repeated discussions about their harmful impact. Most of these kilns operate illegally. They must be shut down, and viable alternatives to bricks must be introduced.

If immediate steps are not taken, Dhaka will fully transform into a city of sick people. We are already witnessing a sharp increase in illnesses, and this will only worsen if urgent measures are not implemented. There are no playgrounds for children, no open spaces where people can breathe fresh air, and the water we drink is contaminated. Citizens cannot even enjoy a clean and peaceful time by the river.

This extreme deprivation stems from the current development model, which prioritises profit maximisation for a select group over public welfare. Projects are designed to benefit certain influential groups through lobbying, while the common people—who bear the consequences—are entirely excluded from the decision-making process.

The present government frequently talks about reforms, but what kind of reforms are they referring to? Reform is not an abstract concept; it requires concrete actions. True reform should involve policies that protect Dhaka's residents and their right to a liveable city.

Anu Muhammad is a former professor of economics from Jahangirnagar University.​

 

[Saif]

Saving rivers is our duty

River pollution in Dhaka continues with little effort to curb it.

www.thedailystar.net

Saving rivers is our duty
Outcome of govt actions must be more visible

VISUAL: STAR

It is hardly surprising that pollution sources around Dhaka's rivers have nearly doubled over the last five years, given the unchecked degradation of rivers and other waterbodies in the country. Industrial units, government agencies, and private individuals have all contributed equally and untiringly to poisoning the waters of Buriganga, Turag, Shitalakhya, Balu, Karnatali, and Dhaleswari rivers—Dhaka's lifelines for centuries. Despite repeated calls to save them, successive governments have failed to take effective measures to prevent pollution or hold the polluters and encroachers accountable, emboldening them further.

As a result, according to a recent River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) study, the number of pollution sources—industries, kitchen markets, dockyards, municipal sewerage lines, private sewerage outlets, and waste dumping stations—has surged from 608 to 1,024 in just five years. Even sluice gates and service canals are contaminating major rivers like Buriganga and Shitalakhya by channelling pollutants directly into them. All this means that the Tk 1,000 crore spent by the previous government on projects to protect Dhaka's rivers literally went down the drain. Evidently, corruption and political favouritism compromised its commitment to saving rivers.

The interim government, free from such biases and with environment activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan in its ranks, is expected to show greater dedication to protecting rivers and the environment. However, while efforts to restore 19 canals across Dhaka have recently begun, actions against major river polluters and encroachers have remained inadequate. No one expects the government to solve the deep-rooted issues involved with river protection overnight, but its measures must be more visible, especially against key offenders, to deter others.

Additionally, the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) must be reactivated and empowered without any further delay. It is baffling that this vital agency is still operating with minimal staff months after the interim government revoked its chairman's appointment. Further delays in making it functional will only worsen pollution and allow more rivers to fall to encroachers. Ultimately, saving our rivers is a collective responsibility. While the government must act decisively, citizens, too, must refrain from polluting activities. Our rivers are essential for our survival—we all must do the best we can to protect them.​

 

[Saif]

St Martin’s Island: Clean-up effort to be launched from mid-Feb

A clean-up effort will be launched in St Martin’s Island under Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar in mid-February following suspension on tourism activities for next nine months

www.thedailystar.net

St Martin’s Island: Clean-up effort to be launched from mid-Feb

Photo: Sharif Sarwar/File

A clean-up effort will be launched in St Martin's Island under Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar in mid-February following suspension on tourism activities for next nine months.

According to the directives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Cox's Bazar district administration will coordinate the entire operation, said Mohammad Salauddin, deputy commissioner of the district.

"The tourism season has ended and we are now focusing on reviving the island's natural environment which sustained damages due to tourism. Local residents will be involved in the activities to boost their income," he said.

"Earlier, in December and January, a total 14 tonnes of plastic and polythene wastes were collected from the island in exchange for food items including rice, oil, lentils and biscuits," the DC added.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in October last year restricted tourist visits to just three months of the year -- November, December, and January – with a daily limit of 2,000 tourists, in order to reduce pollution and protect the island's environment and biodiversity.

The Department of Environment in 1999 declared St Martin's Island an Ecologically Critical Area. In 2023, the government designated 1,743 square kilometres of the Bay of Bengal adjacent to St Martin's Island as a protected area under the Wildlife Act.

The first initiative to control tourism on the island was taken in August 2020. The government assigned the Center for Geographical Information Services (CEGIS) to conduct a study. Following the research, CEGIS concluded that the primary cause of environmental destruction in St Martin's Island is unregulated tourism, adding that tourists should not be allowed to stay overnight on the island under any circumstances.

Although the island has a daily capacity of 2,000 visitors, some 10,000 to 12,000 tourists travelled there every day even in last year. At least 230 hotels and motels have been established illegally without any waste management systems, leading to an accumulation of sewage and plastic wastes across the island.

A study found that the island's water contains 10 times more bacteria than the mainland. Crabs are being caught for tourist consumption, while boat traffic and campfires are endangering three rare species of sea turtles. The excessive number of tourists is also causing a sharp decline in groundwater levels.

In 1980, the island had 141 coral species, but by 2016, the number dropped to 41. Research organisations warned that without urgent conservation efforts, St Martin's Island could lose all the coral species by 2045.

"We have to save St Martin's Island to carry on the tourism business," said Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

"The reduction in tourist numbers is now helping to protect the island's biodiversity," said Dipak Sharma, president of Cox's Bazar Forest and Environment Conservation Council.

Md Zamir Uddin, deputy director of DoE in Cox's Bazar, said they are assessing the damage sustained due to tourism in the island and how much manpower is needed to organise the clean-up activities in order to set the work plan to this end.

Mujibor Rahman, chairman of St Martin union parishad, said people of island and UNDP staffs have already begun cleaning up the beaches and other areas after the tourists left the coral island.

The hotel owners and their staffs, who came from outside, are wrapping up their belongings to leave the island, he added.​