United News of Bangladesh

Farmers in the northern district of Naogaon are struggling with fresh uncertainty as unseasonal rain, triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has damaged prepared seedbeds for early winter vegetables and partially ripe Aman paddy. Potato fields, in particular, have been affected, causing concern among growers hoping to recover losses from last year. Agriculture officials said stagnant water in the fields has raised fears of widespread damage to newly planted potato seeds, transplanted Aman paddy and early winter vegetables, including cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, chili, eggplant and radish. Many plants, they said, are lying flattened in waterlogged fields across several upazilas. Read more: Polyshade tomato farming reviving Narail’s rural economy According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Aman has been cultivated on 193,000 hectares this year, while early winter vegetables cover 1,845 hectares. Potato cultivation is targeted on 21,000 hectares. A field visit revealed that farmlands prepared for potato cultivation or recently sown are submerged, forcing farmers to focus on draining the water to save their crops. Farmers also fear delays in planting on fallow lands that remain waterlogged and excess moisture has already caused root rot in some vegetables. Zainal, a farmer from Kalikapur Dangapara in Atrai upazila, expressed his worries, saying, “Last year I suffered a big loss from potato farming; hence I planted early this year in hopes of a better price. But now rainwater has submerged the field and I fear the seeds may not sprout properly. I don’t know what to do.” Sharing a similar experience, Ashraf Hossain from Varsho village in Manda upazila said, “Early potato farming is always risky, but I wanted to try since others were doing it. I planted on one bigha of land, but the sudden rain has filled the field with water.” Read more: Hidden hands in the fields: Dealers blamed for artificial fertiliser shortage in north Ratan Mollah of Barshail in Sadar upazila said, “I just finished planting potato seeds when the rain began. It’s still drizzling, and the soil remains soaked. Potato seeds rot easily if they stay wet. I’m worried most of my field will be damaged.” Meanwhile, Susheel Mistri of Hapania reported that his Aman paddy, which was ripening, had been flattened by rain and gusty winds. Vegetable grower Indri Mia from Kirtipur said, “The rain over the past few days has caused rot at the base of my cauliflower and other vegetable plants.” Downplaying the extent of the damage, DAE Deputy Director Homayra Mondal said, “Although it rained, it wasn’t a heavy downpour. Potato planting has just started and the newly planted seeds may face minor setbacks, but fields planted eight to ten days ago will likely remain safe. The rainfall is even beneficial for Aman. If the water drains quickly, there won’t be any major problem.” Read more: Rain pushes green chilli price to Tk 300 per kg, almost all vegetable prices upward As farmers race against time to salvage their crops, the unseasonal rainfall has once again highlighted the vulnerability of early winter cultivation to unpredictable weather.

The prices of green chilli increased suddenly by Tk100 per kg in the kitchen market of Dhaka amid holiday mood in the city. Talking with the correspondent, Abdul Hai, a street vendor of vegetables in the Segun Bagicha areas of the capital, stated on Thursday that the prices of green chillies have increased by Tk100 per kg in the wholesale market. As a result, they are selling green chilli by Tk300 to 320 per kg, which was Tk 200 per kg yesterday (Wednesday). Not only green chilli but also the prices of almost all vegetables increased by Tk10 to 20 per kg on Thursday. The traders have blamed rainy weather and the short supply of vegetables in the wholesale market. Alauddin Hawlader told UNB that the prices of almost all vegetables increased as the farmers are not picking/collecting vegetables from the field during the rains. Besides, vegetable fields of low-lying areas are remaining underwater, and the vegetables of the surrounding Dhaka were damaged by waterlogging. This adverse weather in late autumn has affected the vegetable field and early cultivated winter vegetables fields, he said. The consecutive days of rain have resulted in damaged harvests, pushing the prices of most vegetables above the Tk 80 per kg mark, with most seeing an increase of Tk 10 to Tk 20 from the previous week. The rising trend was observed during a market visit conducted by UNB reporters on Thursday across major city markets, including Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Fakirapool, and Gopibag.

A heavy spell of rain early Monday once again exposed Dhaka’s unresolved waterlogging and inadequate drainage, paralysing the city for hours and reigniting debate over who can rescue the capital from its recurring misery. Md Amin, 30, a shop employee, collapsed near Najira Bazar intersection in Bangshal around 9:30am while wading through waterlogged streets during the downpour. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) unconscious at about 9:45am, where doctors declared him dead, said Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the DMCH police camp. Across the city, commuters were seen trudging through ankle- to knee-deep water as they struggled to reach offices, schools and other destinations. Roads and lanes lay submerged in Mouchak, Malibagh, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Kalabagan, Karwan Bazar, Green Road, Monipuripara, New Market, Asad Gate, Jigatola and several other neighbourhoods.In some places, the water rose to knee level; in others, it reached the waist. Keya Sarker, an employee of a private company, shared her ordeal, saying, “Usually, it takes me 20 to 25 minutes to reach my office. Today, it took more than an hour. Travelling by bus from Kakrail to Mouchak felt like crossing a river.”   Shop employee electrocuted on Dhaka’s waterlogged road At Shantinagar intersection, she saw a van laden with goods trapped in water after its driver failed to notice a pothole hidden beneath the murky surface, worsening the traffic jam. Social media reflected similar frustrations, often touched with humour. Dhaka University student Tuli, from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, wrote on Facebook, “My class was at 8:30am. When I woke up, I felt like I was floating on an island, as the hall was filled with water. I somehow swam out, but when I reached New Market, it was impossible to cross even by swimming. The rickshaw pullers were refusing to go. Finally, one agreed – but demanded Tk 850, though it seemed he felt bad about saying no.” Romana, another private employee, said, “The gridlocked traffic and flooded roads turned the morning rush into an ordeal. I had to wade through stinking water to reach my office.” Meteorologist Hafizur Rahman reported that 107mm of rainfall had been recorded in the capital over 24 hours till noon on Monday, while Feni district registered the highest rainfall at 116mm.   A Met Office bulletin said the sky might remain overcast for the next six hours, with daytime temperatures likely to drop slightly. Dhaka South City Corporation later issued a press release saying arrangements had been made to drain water quickly from inundated areas using temporary portable pumps. Roots of a Recurring Crisis Experts point to unplanned development as the prime cause of Dhaka’s chronic waterlogging. Illegal encroachment, landfill and diversions have choked stormwater drainage systems, obstructing the natural flow of water. As a result, the city is regularly exposed to irksome flooding, particularly during the monsoon.

The National Cricket League T20 (NCL) tournament has been postponed indefinitely due to adverse weather conditions. In a media release on Tuesday, BCB announced that a new schedule would be released depending on the situation. “Due to inclement weather, the NCL T20, 2025-26 has been postponed. The bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will announce a new schedule soon,” the statement read. On Saturday’s opening day at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, last season’s runners-up Dhaka Metro defeated Rajshahi Division by 7 wickets in a shortened five-over contest. Another match scheduled in Bogura that same day was washed out by rain. With the outfield in Bogura unfit for play, the next two days’ matches were shifted to Rajshahi. But from the second day onward, no games could be held there either due to persistent rain. As a result, the entire tournament has now been put on hold. BCB said that the board is closely monitoring the situation, and a revised schedule will be announced in due course.  

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain or thunder showers in all divisions of the country including Dhaka in 24 hours commencing 9:00am on Wednesday. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at many places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over the country,” said a Met office regular bulletin. Rains likely in Dhaka, other divisions: BMD Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The country’s highest temperature 34.5 degree Celsius was recorded in Chandpur on Tuesday while the lowest temperature 22.4 degree Celsius was recorded in Tangail till 6am on Wednesday. Monsoon is active over Bangladesh and moderate over the North Bay.  

Continuous rainfall for the past few days has left parts of Khulna city, its suburbs and adjacent upazilas near the Sundarbans submersed. Several areas, including Royal Mor, Tutpara, Mistripara, Ahsan Ahmed Road, Boyra, Mujgunni, Sonadanga, and Fulbarigate  went under water in the city. Rains entered the houses of the low-lying areas of the city, causing suffering of residents.  Fish enclosures, ponds, and croplands were flooded and residents  were facing an acute shortage of drinking water. On the other hand, the situation is worse in Paikgachha and Koyra upazilas as most areas were submerged there following the heavy downpours. Feni’s Muhuri, Selonia rivers still above danger level; floodwaters likely to recede Amid the downpour, the roof of the record room at the Khulna Sadar Sub-Registry Office collapsed on Tuesday, damaging over a hundred official books due to rainwater. The low-income groups are the worst sufferers due to the waterlogging . “There’s little to no passenger movement due to the waterlogging. I’m earning less every day,” said Abdur Razzak, an easy-bike driver. "It’s hard to manage household expenses." Rickshaw puller Roni from Shibbari Goborchaka area  said “Rain or shine, we have to work. But when it rains heavily, even umbrellas can’t help. We charge a bit more when people are soaked, but many don’t pay. Still, we take medicine if we fall sick and go back to work the next day. That’s how life goes,” he said. Locals blamed the poor drainage system for the waterlogging and urged the government to take immediate measures to address the issue. Md Mizanur Rahman, in-charge of the Khulna met office, said they recorded 43.6 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours till 12 pm Wednesday, predicting more rainfall in the next 24 hours.  

  Thousands of holidaymakers have begun their journey home but the persistent rainfall  across the country could cause disruptions on roads and highways. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a 120-hour weather forecast warning of rainfall across the country starting Thursday (June 5) morning. According to the forecast, parts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thundershowers.  Some places in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions could also see similar weather.  However, day and night temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged. The BMD said temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding districts could rise by 1°C to 3°C on Thursday. Rain is expected to continue till Friday, although the overall intensity may weaken slightly, the department said, citing currently weak to moderate monsoon activity over the Bay of Bengal and less active conditions over Bangladesh. On Friday, light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds may occur at some places in all eight divisions, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet. The BMD said light to moderate rain/thunder showers with lightning flashes and temporary gusty wind is likely at one or two places over Chattogram, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions on the Eid day. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. The same condition may prevail the following day.  People could face discomfort due to rising temperatures, as both daytime and nighttime heat are expected to increase on Saturday.

Bangladesh’s capital and several other parts of the country woke up to rain on Thursday morning, brought on by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.  The showers offered some relief after days of sweltering heat but caused significant disruptions to daily life. In Dhaka, the rain was not particularly heavy, but it began early in the morning and continued steadily. Office-goers and students struggled to keep dry while trying to reach their destinations.  Flashfloods likely in low-lying areas of 6 divisions: FFWC What began as a welcome change soon turned into a source of frustration, as many found themselves stranded under grey skies, drenched and waiting for transport. 

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains at several places in seven divisions of the country including Dhaka in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Saturday. “ Rain or thunder showers with lightning flashes and temporary gusty wind is likely at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Khulna, Barishal  and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh & Sylhet divisions.,” said a Met office bulletin. Rains, thunder showers with lightning likely in all divisions in next 24hr: BMD Besides, mild heat wave is sweeping Dhaka, Tangail, Gopalganj, Rajbari, Sirajganj, Chandpur, Bandarban, Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jashor and Jhenaidah districts and it may abate from some places,  it added. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the country, it said. Country’s highest temperature was recorded at 37.7 degrees Celsius in Khulna on Friday.  

Rain washed out Sunrisers Hyderabad’s meager hopes of making the Indian Premier League playoffs on Monday. Skipper Pat Cummins gave Hyderabad a strong start by claiming three early wickets with the new ball, restricting Delhi Capitals to 133 for 7. However, heavy rain and an unplayable outfield forced the match to be abandoned. With the game called off, both sides were awarded one point each. The result officially eliminated last year’s finalists, Hyderabad, from playoff contention—making them the third team to exit the race, following Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Delhi, despite another poor showing from its top-order batters, was fortunate to escape with a point and now sits fifth on the table, still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Delhi stumbles against Cummins Cummins perfectly read the tricky grassless pitch and ran Delhi into all sorts of trouble with three wickets off his first 13 balls after he won the toss and elected to field. Bangladesh A crush New Zealand A by 7 wickets to take lead He had Karun Nair caught behind off the first ball of the match and Faf du Plessis was beaten by a short ball and edged behind to Ishan Kishan, who kept wickets for the first time this season in place of Heinrich Klaasen. Cummins, who took the new ball after Mohammed Shami was left out, made it 15-3 when Kishan took a smart running catch at square leg after Abhishek Porel top-edged an attempted flick. Cummins added a brilliant catch over his right shoulder when he back-pedalled from mid-off to dismiss Delhi captain Axar Patel. Kishan's fourth catch made it 29-5 when Lokesh Rahul edged Jaydev Unadkat. Tristan Stubbs, 41 not out, and impact player Ashutosh Sharma, 41, helped Delhi cross 100 but all of Hyderabad's sterling work in the field was washed away by the rain.