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Dhaka's Air Pollution Reaches Alarming Level, Authority Issues Warning
Rtv News
23 Jan 2025, 13:28
Air pollution continues to rise globally, posing significant health risks. Among the hardest-hit regions, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, faces a dire situation with critically high pollution levels. The Department of Environment has issued a warning, urging residents to take precautions as efforts to improve air quality remain insufficient.
Winter Season Worsens Pollution Crisis
Experts point to the dry winter season as a key factor aggravating the situation. Meteorologist Md Tariqul Newaz Kabir explained, "Reduced rainfall during winter allows airborne dust and smoke to accumulate, leading to a sharp decline in air quality. Immediate measures and greater public awareness are essential to mitigate this issue.”
Dhaka consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. This year's dry season has pushed air quality to dangerously low levels, raising health concerns for millions of residents.
No Progress Over Seven Years
Despite various initiatives, air pollution levels in Dhaka have shown no significant improvement over the past seven years. The national standard for annual average air pollution is set at 35, yet Dhaka's annual average consistently surpasses 80. In 2024, the average pollution level reached 83.9, further exacerbating public alarm.
To address the crisis, the government has introduced the National Air Quality Management Plan 2024–2030, which includes measures like closing brick kilns, a major source of pollution during winter.
Deputy Director of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Mohammad Abdul Motalib, noted, "Activities such as burning materials and the operation of brick kilns intensify air pollution in winter. These are critical areas of focus in the new management plan."
Dhaka Among the World's Most Polluted Cities
According to IQAir, on Thursday, January 23, Dhaka ranked fifth on the global list of most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 223. Alarmingly, AQI levels in Dhaka and surrounding areas surpassed 300 on Wednesday morning, January 22, indicating extremely hazardous air conditions.
While the government's air quality management plan aims to reduce pollution, experts stress the need for swift and comprehensive action to protect public health and the environment.
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Cold Wave Grips Panchagarh, Temperature Drops to 9°C
A mild cold wave has been sweeping over Panchagarh, a northern district of the country nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas for two consecutive days. The piercing cold wind has severely disrupted the daily lives of the district's residents.
On Wednesday (December 25) at 9 am, the temperature was recorded at 9.3°C. Earlier at 6 am, it was slightly higher at 9.4°C.
Meanwhile, the biting cold has caused great suffering for the locals, especially due to a lack of warm clothing. Daily activities have been hampered, particularly for low-income individuals. At night, dense fog falls like drizzle, adding to the chilling conditions. The elderly and children are facing extreme discomfort in this bone-chilling cold.
Jitendra Nath Roy, an official at the first-class weather observation station in Tetulia, confirmed that the district is experiencing a mild cold wave. He reported that the temperature was recorded at 9.4°C at 6 am and 9.3°C at 9 am.
Midnight Blaze at Secretariat Rages On for Hours
A devastating fire that broke out in Building 7 of the Secretariat, the administrative hub of the nation located in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, could not be extinguished even after five hours of relentless efforts.
The fire has already spread to several floors, including the sixth, seventh, and eighth. Tragically, a firefighter, Sohanur Rahman Noyon, lost his life after being hit by a covered van while working to control the blaze.
As of 7 AM on Thursday (December 26), 19 units of the Fire Service were engaged in efforts to bring the fire under control. A video posted on the official Facebook page of the Fire Service showed the entire length of Building 7 engulfed in flames, with the blaze visible from outside.
The fire reportedly began around midnight in Building 7. Initially, at 1:54 AM, the Fire Service unit stationed at the Secretariat attempted to control the fire. However, as the fire's intensity increased, 19 units were deployed sequentially to battle the blaze.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the entire Secretariat area, including Segunbagicha and Purana Paltan, was shrouded in black smoke. Traffic in the surrounding roads came to a halt. A significant number of personnel from the Army, Police, and Armed Police Battalion (APBn) were present at the site, assisting the Fire Service in extinguishing the fire.
Confirming the deployment of law enforcement, BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam stated that two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had been deployed for rescue assistance following the fire in Building 7 of the Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the Fire Service worker who was hit by a covered van succumbed to his injuries. Initially, he was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in critical condition, where doctors pronounced him dead. The driver and helper of the covered van have been detained in connection with the incident.
Witnesses reported that the firefighter was arranging an alternative water supply to tackle the fire. While crossing the road with a pipe on his shoulder, he was hit from behind by a speeding covered van, causing him to fall onto the road. His helmet came off on impact, and bloodstains were visible on the road.
The driver of the covered van attempted to flee via the road in front of the Public Works Department building. However, students set up a barricade, forcing the driver to stop. They apprehended him, transported him on a motorcycle, and handed him over to law enforcement. During this time, an agitated crowd attempted to assault the driver, but army personnel brought the situation under control.
Speaking about the incident, Fire Service Duty Officer Rafi Al Faruk confirmed that the injured (later deceased) firefighter was rescued following the road accident and admitted to DMCH.
Regarding the fire, he stated, "At 1:52 AM today (Thursday), we received a report of a fire in Building 7 of the Secretariat. In response, 19 of our units are currently working at the site. Based on available information, the fire appears to be large. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage have yet to be determined."
Fire at Secretariat Brought Under Control After 6 Hours
The fire at Building No. 7 of the Secretariat, the administrative hub of the country, has been brought under control after six hours.
On Thursday (December 26) morning, Brigadier General Muhammad Zahid Kamal, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defense Directorate, confirmed the information to RTV News.
He stated, "The fire at the Secretariat was brought under control at 8:05 a.m."
The fire broke out earlier in the night at Building No. 7 of the Secretariat. Initially, the fire service unit stationed at the Secretariat began efforts to extinguish the blaze at 1:54 a.m. However, as the intensity of the fire increased, 19 units gradually joined the operation to control the situation.
Tragically, a fire service member, Sohanuzzaman Noyon, lost his life during the firefighting efforts after being struck by a truck.
It has been reported that Sohanuzzaman Noyon was injured while crossing the road to connect a water line from a pump. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Private Car Hit by Bus on Expressway, 5 Dead
A road accident on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway has left 5 people dead and at least 10 others injured.
The incident occurred on Friday morning (December 27) near the Dhaleshwari Toll Plaza.
Reports indicate that a bus lost control and collided with a private car at the Dhaleshwari Toll Plaza in the morning. The accident claimed the lives of 5 individuals, including pedestrians, and left at least 10 others injured. The injured have been rescued and sent to the hospital.
Dewan Azad, Station Officer of the Srinagar Upazila Fire Service, stated that the injured were sent to Dhaka Mitford Hospital. Among them, five people died on the way to the hospital.
Clash Between 2 Parties in Madaripur, 3 Dead Including Father, Son
Three people, including a father and son, were killed during a clash between two parties over territorial control with a bomb explosion in Kalkini Upazila of Madaripur. At least 10 others were injured in the incident.
The incident occurred early in the morning on Friday, December 27, in the Madhyerchar area of the
Banshgari Union.
The deceased are Akhtar Shikdar (42), the son of Matiur Rahman Shikdar from Madhyerchar, his son Maruf Shikdar (20), and Sirajul Chowkidar (35) from Khunerchar village. Akhtar Shikdar was a member of Ward No. 8 of Banshgari Union and the Senior Vice President of the local Awami League. Sirajul Chowkidar was a farmer and day laborer.
According to the police and local sources, there had been a long-standing feud between the Fakir and Shikdar families over control of the area. After the fall of the government on August 5, Awami League leader Akhtar Shikdar left the area.
On the morning of the incident, Akhtar Shikdar and his supporters were returning to the Madhyerchar area via the New Bazar of Shariatpur when Jalil Fakir's supporters gathered in the area, alerting locals through loudspeakers. Subsequently, Akhtar's group and Jalil's supporters engaged in a violent clash using local weapons. Several hand grenades exploded during the altercation, causing panic. Akhtar Shikdar died on the spot due to the bomb blast. His son, Maruf Shikdar, who was severely injured by the explosion, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. Sirajul Chowkidar, also injured in the bomb blast, died on his way to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
In the clash, at least 10 people from both parties were injured and received treatment at hospitals in Barishal's Muladi and Shariatpur's Damudya Upazila, as well as private hospitals. To control the situation, the authorities deployed RAB, police, and military forces in the Banshgarhi area.
The officer-in-charge (OC) of Kalkini Police Station, Mohammad Humayun Kabir stated that three people from one party died in the clash. After the father and son, their supporter, Sirajul Chowkidar, died on the way to Dhaka. Police are conducting raids to arrest the perpetrators. The situation is now under control, and the bodies are being sent to the morgue for autopsies.
Khilafat Majlis' 12th Assembly Underway at Suhrawardy Udyan
The 12th General Assembly of the Khilafat Majlis General Council is taking place at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. By 9:00 AM on Saturday (December 28), several thousand delegates from across the country had gathered at the assembly venue.
Leaders from various political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolan, have attended this session. The event was inaugurated by the party’s advisor, Principal Maulana Mohammad Ishaq, and is being presided over by Khilafat Majlis's honorable Amir, Maulana Abdul Basit Azad.
Mild Cold Wave Sweeps Panchagarh for Five Days, Disrupting Daily Life
The northern district of Panchagarh, often referred to as the "Daughter of the Himalayas," has been experiencing a mild cold wave for the past five days, marking the third such occurrence this season. The intensity of the cold has increased, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius and hovering around 9 degrees.
At 9:00 AM on Saturday (December 28), the recorded temperature was 9.3 degrees Celsius, slightly down from Friday’s 9.5 degrees. Since December 24, temperatures have remained in the 9-degree range, causing a continuous mild cold wave in this Himalayan region. Earlier, a six-day-long mild cold wave persisted from December 13 to December 18.
Locals report severe discomfort, especially during the evenings and early mornings, with many lighting fires to fend off the biting cold. “It feels like the temperature dips below zero at night,” they say. However, the mornings bring bright sunlight, and the chill fades after 10:00 AM. By afternoon, temperatures rise significantly, but the chilly northern winds return in the evening, intensifying the cold once again.
This fluctuation in temperatures has led to a rise in cold-related illnesses.
Jitendra Nath Roy, the acting officer at the first-class weather observation center in Tetulia, Panchagarh, stated, "Today, the temperature has again dropped to the 9-degree range. For the past five days, temperatures below 10 degrees have been recorded, resulting in a mild cold wave in the region."
