Monsoon in Bangladesh makes the nature greener, fruitful, and luscious. However, while commuting amid rains, many people suffer from cold and flu. To prevent such illnesses, it is essential to strengthen the immune system. Homemade delicious remedies, rich in natural ingredients, can be both comforting and effective in fighting off flu symptoms. Here are ten mouthwatering recipes, to keep your immunity strong and spirits high. 10 Homemade Savoury Flu-fighting Recipes for This Monsoon  Ginger-Lemon Honey Tea Ingredients 4 cups water, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup grated ginger root, 3 tea bags, 2 lemons (juiced), and 3 tablespoons honey. Instructions First, combine water, brown sugar, and grated ginger root in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.  Next, remove the saucepan from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Discard the tea bags, then stir in lemon juice and honey. Finally, strain the mixture into a pitcher before serving. Read more: How to Safely Enjoy Street Food in Bangladesh Chicken Soup Ingredients 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion (diced), 1 cup celery (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (chopped), 4–8 garlic cloves (roughly chopped), 700 grams chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless), 4 cups chicken broth or stock, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 2 bay leaves, lemon juice to taste, pinch chilli flakes, scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil (optional, tasty) Instructions First, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue sautéing until golden, about 3-4 more minutes.  Next, add chicken stock, water, salt, white pepper, bay leaves, and skinless chicken, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, adjusting cooking time for different cuts of chicken. Test for doneness by pulling the meat apart with two forks; it should be tender and opaque.  Then, shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust the broth with lemon juice and salt, and serve over rice or noodles, garnished with scallions, cilantro, and chilli flakes.  Read more: Fridge Smells Bad? Reasons and How to Get Rid of It Turmeric and Ginger Latte Ingredients 1 cup non-dairy milk, 1 teaspoon organic ground turmeric powder, ½ -1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1 teaspoon honey, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Instructions First, heat the milk in a pot, stirring until it comes to a boil. Add all the ingredients, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, strain the mixture through a small sieve and pour it into a mug. Serve warm and enjoy this golden beverage! Vegetable Khichuri Ingredients Rice: 2 cups pulao rice, 1 cup masoor dal, 2 teaspoons ginger paste, ½ teaspoon garlic paste, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon whole cumin, 2 bay leaves, ½ cup chopped onion, 4 to 5 green chillies, 1½ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup oil, and 2 tablespoons ghee. Vegetable: 1 cup cauliflower pieces, 1 cup potato pieces, ½ cup beans, ½ cup sliced carrots, and ½ cup sweet peas.  Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Instructions First, begin by mixing all the vegetables, except the sweet peas, with a dash of salt and lightly frying them in about 2 tablespoons of oil. Set aside. Rinse the rice and dal together, then drain the water.  Next, combine them with ginger, garlic, turmeric, bay leaves, and 5 to 6 cups of warm water with salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to boil, add the fried vegetables, sweet peas, and green chilli. Cover and reduce the heat to low.  Then, after 3 to 4 minutes, stir again and keep covered. Once the water has evaporated, set the pot aside over very low heat. In a separate pan, heat oil and brown the onions and cumin. Mix them into the rice gently, cover, and turn off the heat after a couple of minutes. Finally, stir in the ghee before serving hot. This wholesome, easy-to-digest meal is perfect during sickness.  Read more: Delightful Recipes from Bangladeshi Kitchens to Savor on Rainy Days Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 450 grams beef (cut into 2-inch strips), 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper (cut into matchsticks), 2 carrots (thinly sliced), 1 green onion (chopped), 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted). Instructions First, gather all the ingredients. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, and cook the beef until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Push the beef to one side of the pan, then add broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, green onion, and garlic to the centre.  Now, cook and stir the vegetables for 2 minutes. Combine the beef with the vegetables and season with soy sauce and sesame seeds. Continue cooking and stirring until the vegetables are tender, about 2 more minutes. Serve hot and enjoy! Read more: Summer Drinks: Refreshing Homemade Sherbets to Beat the Heat

Dhaka, the overburdened capital city of Bangladesh, faces severe water management challenges, such as flood and waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season. The concept of a Sponge City offers a promising solution to combat these issues. This article delves into the details of the Sponge City concept, its successful implementation in other countries, and why it should be adopted in Dhaka. The Concept of Sponge City Kongjian Yu, a Chinese landscape architect and professor, pioneered the concept of the Sponge City. A Sponge City is designed to passively absorb, clean, and utilize rainwater in an eco-friendly manner by reducing polluted runoff. Essentially, it uses landscapes and infrastructure to preserve water and promote natural retention, infiltration, and purification of drainage. Key techniques associated with a Sponge City include: ·        Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for various uses. ·        Permeable Roads: Roads designed to allow water to seep through and be absorbed into the ground. ·        Terrace Gardens: Green roofs that help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. ·        Green Spaces and Waterbodies: Parks, ponds, and lakes that act as natural water retention and purification systems. Proper implementation of these techniques can minimize the frequency and severity of floods, improve water quality, and reduce individual water usage. Green roofs, for example, enhance the quality of life by improving air quality and mitigating urban heat islands. Overall, a Sponge City can efficiently handle excess water during heavy rains and reuse it during dry periods to combat water shortages. Read more: How to Build Dhaka as a Water Wise City How China Adopted the Concept of Sponge City In 2013, the Chinese Central Government adopted Professor Kongjian Yu’s Sponge City concept, implementing it across 30 cities. Following successful trials, China aims to transform 80% of urban areas into “sponges” by 2030. The core principle of Chinese Sponge Cities is to give water enough room and time to drain into the soil rather than quickly channeling it into large dams. Instead of fast-flowing water channels, these cities employ meandering streams without concrete walls, allowing water to spread out during heavy rains. Yu asserts that replacing concrete infrastructure with natural systems can save lives. In Sponge City designs, natural waterways and permeable soils clean water and reduce pollution. Evaporated rainwater cools the city, while collected rainwater is used for irrigation, street cleaning, and other purposes, reducing the reliance on tap water. The vegetation, sediments, and microorganisms in Sponge City water systems lessen the burden on energy-intensive urban water filtration facilities. As climate change brings unpredictable rainfall, Sponge City buildings are constructed to accommodate rising water levels during floods. Compared to traditional gray infrastructure, Sponge City designs require less energy for maintenance. They reduce the load on water treatment facilities, decrease the need for air conditioning due to heat reduction effects, and use fewer resources like concrete. Additionally, vast green spaces absorb carbon dioxide and air pollutants, promote biodiversity, and provide recreational areas for residents. China has also implemented Sponge City concepts in Ningbo, a coastal city 150 km south of Shanghai. Ningbo’s sponge infrastructure includes an eco-corridor on a post-industrial site, where channeled water flows through meandering waterways surrounded by native plants. This blue space improves water quality, provides habitat for flora and fauna, and reduces the risk of waterlogging. Read more: What Can Dhaka Learn from the Smart City Singapore Application of Sponge City Model in Copenhagen Copenhagen adopted the Sponge City concept in its Cloudburst Master Plan, developed in 2012. This plan redesigns approximately 250 public spaces to retain or redirect floodwaters, including parks, playgrounds, and the Sankt Kjelds Plads roundabout. Green spaces like trees, shrubs, and soil naturally retain water and direct it to non-destructive areas.

In Dhaka and other urban areas of Bangladesh, residents often face exorbitant vegetable prices and poor-quality produce. Growing vegetables on rooftops and in yards offers a solution, providing nutritious food and saving money. The monsoon season, with its abundant rainfall and favorable temperatures, is perfect for cultivating a variety of vegetables. Let's explore ten vegetables that thrive in the monsoon season and can be easily grown in urban areas of Bangladesh. Best Vegetables for Monsoon Gardening in Bangladesh Bottle Gourd (Lau) Bottle gourd, with a growing period of 60-120 days, is ideal for the monsoon season due to its rapid growth and high-water content. It is rich in fibers, vitamins C and B, calcium, and magnesium. Bottle gourd requires a sturdy trellis for support and good drainage to prevent waterlogging. As a climbing plant, it utilizes vertical space efficiently, making it perfect for terrace gardens. Okra (Bhindi) Okra, known for its vitamins A, K1, and C, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and folate, takes about two months to grow and thrives in warm, humid conditions. Ideal for the monsoon season, okra can be grown in pots or directly in the soil, requiring moderate watering and well-drained soil. Read more: Delightful Recipes from Bangladeshi Kitchens to Savor on Rainy Days Spinach (Palong Shak) Spinach provides carotenoids, vitamins C and K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. It matures within 45-60 days, depending on the variety. Spinach grows quickly during the rainy season and prefers slightly shaded areas and shallow containers for cultivation. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages continuous growth, making it a reliable and nutritious addition to your monsoon garden. Cucumber (Shosha) Cucumbers are high in water content and contain vitamins K, C, and A, calcium, sodium, and iron. They help relieve dehydration and benefit skin health. Cucumbers are ready to harvest in 50-70 days after planting. Flourishing in the wet, warm monsoon weather, cucumbers need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Trellising helps save space and keeps the fruit clean and healthy. Eggplant (Begun) Eggplants are nutrient-rich, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for overall health, including heart health. They usually take 80-90 days to grow from seed. Eggplants love warmth and can be grown in large pots or garden beds. They require regular watering and well-drained soil. The plant produces beautiful purple fruits used in various culinary dishes. Read more: Microgreens: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and How to Grow Radish (Mula) Radishes, small yet packed with nutrients, are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help combat cellular damage. High in fiber but low in calories, radishes also contain CoQ10, B vitamins, calcium, and potassium. With a growing period of 55-60 days, radishes need well-drained soil and regular watering. Both the roots and leaves are edible and nutritious. Flat Beans (Sheem) Flat beans are rich in proteins, fiber, and vitamins A, K, and C. Regular consumption can help lower blood sugar levels. Flat beans take 16 to 20 weeks to reach maturity and thrive in the humid monsoon climate. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, needing support for climbing varieties and consistent moisture. Bitter Gourd (Korola) Despite its bitter taste, bitter gourd is celebrated as a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. It is low in calories but enriched with essential nutrients, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and high dietary fiber. Read more: 9 Best Indoor Water Plants That Require Minimal Care Bitter gourd thrives in the monsoon season, requiring a trellis for climbing and benefits from regular harvesting to promote more fruit production. It takes about 55-60 days from seed sowing to the first harvest. Tomato Tomatoes are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K, potassium, folate, and antioxidants. They thrive during the monsoon season but require protection from excessive rain to avoid fungal diseases. Growing tomatoes under a roof or using stakes for support helps maintain healthy plants and promotes fruitful yields. With a growing period of 90-110 days, tomatoes are a valuable addition to your monsoon garden. Coriander (Dhonepata) Coriander leaves are an exceptional source of vitamins A and C, offering other essential nutrients like dietary fiber, iron, manganese, calcium, vitamin K, and phosphorus. Read more: Best Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution of Home/Office Coriander grows abundantly during the rainy season in slightly shaded areas with well-drained soil. Regular trimming stimulates bushier growth and extends the harvest period. Coriander typically matures within 40-45 days, adding ornamental beauty and nutritional value to your garden.

While monsoon brings a welcome respite from the heat, it also presents unique challenges for our skin. Increased humidity and fluctuating temperatures can lead to fungal infections, breakouts, dullness, and irritation. However, with proper care, you can maintain a healthy, radiant skin throughout the rainy season. Changes in Skin Condition during Rainy Season Increased Oiliness Increased humidity stimulates sebum production and causes a greasy appearance. This excess oil can clog pores which results in blackheads and acne. Managing oil production and pore congestion is crucial for preventing skin issues during humid conditions.  Acne Breakouts The damp environment fosters bacterial growth and increases the risk of acne. And pores clogged with oil and bacteria can become inflamed, causing pimples. Proper cleansing and pore maintenance are essential to prevent inflammation and acne breakouts in such conditions. Read more: 10 Post- Pregnancy Skincare Tips: Get Your Glow Back Fungal Infections In humid climates, feet and armpits are more susceptible to fungal infections due to excessive sweating and moisture. Common fungal infections include ringworm and athlete’s foot, emphasising the importance of maintaining dryness and hygiene in these regions. Dry and Sensitive Skin Despite high humidity, you may experience dehydration. It can make skin dry and sensitive. Additionally, weather fluctuations can exacerbate skin irritation and sensitivity.  Proper hydration and skincare routines are vital to mitigate these effects and maintain skin health during such conditions.  Dull Skin Reduced sunlight exposure during the rainy season can make the skin look dull and lifeless. Furthermore, air pollution during the rainy season can also contribute to skin dullness.  Read more: Summer Skin Care Guide For Men

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in eight divisions, including Dhaka, over 24 hours starting from 9 am today (September 17, 2023). “Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind are likely to occur at many places over Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions; at a few places over Mymensingh and Khulna divisions; and at one or two places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions,” it said. Read: Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' this morning Meanwhile, a mild heatwave is sweeping over the districts of Dhaka, Tangail, Rajshahi, Sirajganj, Rangpur, Panchagarh, Kurigram, Moulvibazar, Jashore and Chuadanga, and it may abate in some places. Daytime temperatures may remain nearly unchanged, and nighttime temperatures may fall slightly across the country. The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 37.5 and 25.2 degrees Celsius in Saidpur and Kutubdia respectively. Read: Monte Rosa glacier loses 60 m of thickness in 10 years The weather office recorded the highest 27mm rainfall in Noakhali’s Hatiya upazila. Monsoon is less active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in eight divisions, including Dhaka, in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Monday (September 11, 2023). Read: Weather forecast: Light to moderate rain likely in Dhaka, other divisions over 24 hours “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions; at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Dhaka divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi and Khulna divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country," said a regular BMD bulletin on Monday. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the country. Country’s highest 132 mm rainfall was recorded in Chattogram’s Kutubdia in 24 hours till 6am today. Read: Weather forecast: Light to moderate rain likely in Dhaka, other divisions Meanwhile, mild heat wave is sweeping Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajgonj, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Jashore, Chuadanga, Barishal, Patuakhali and  Bhola districts and it may abate in some places, said the bulletin. Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay,  added the bulletin.

Waterlogging has become a never-ending problem for the residents of Horijon Polli in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district, thanks to the lack of adequate measures of the local administration. Some 150 people of 30 families are going through untold suffering due to the waterlogging problem as the whole area has been submerged following the torrential rainfall and onrush of water from the upstream over the last week. Read more: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts During a recent visit to the Horijon Polli, at Sabujpara under Thanahat union, this correspondent found water all around and the residents of the area were seen fetching safe drinking water and food after wading through waist-deep water. Moni Lal, a local, said the whole area gets inundated even after little rain and residents of the area have been living in such a situation for the past one week. If the water increases further then they have to move to a safer place. Read more:Monsoon coming, no solution to Dhaka’s waterlogging in sight Besides, they did not receive any assistance from the authorities though eight days have passed, claimed the local people. Contacted, Rafiul Alam, Chilmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer, said a list is being prepared and the higher authorities concerned have been informed. Read more: Waterlogging turns severe in Chattogram after heavy rains for 3rd consecutive day

Residents of areas along the Teesta river in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat district are living in fear of losing their homes and crops as erosion has taken a serious turn. Several thousand families living on the riverbanks were facing waterlogging issues due to the torrential rainfall last week. Several hundred hectares of cropland were damaged during this period. But when the floodwater started to recede, panic gripped them as erosion took a serious turn in seven to eight points along the left side of the river. Over the past few days, 25-30 houses, croplands and several establishments were washed away due to the erosion, forcing many families to live under the open sky. Rising river waters trigger flooding, erosion concerns in Kurigram Many have shifted their valuables including furniture on the roadside and near the flood protection dam. Meanwhile, residents of Gobordhan and Garibullatari villages under Mahishkhocha union of the upazila saw severe erosion at the dead night on Tuesday near the embankment. A number of establishments including a mosque have gone into the river. The families of Rabiul, Bhuttu and Yeakub Ali are living under the open sky as their homesteads were washed away due to the erosion. Locals said if the authorities do not take any steps immediately, the embankment would also go into the river. Villagers spend sleepless nights as Madhumati river banks erosion intensifies in Faridpur  They also demanded constructing a permanent dam along the riverbank. Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said erosion occurred in seven-eight points along the riverbanks while erosion at spur dam-2 took a serious turn. They have informed the matter to the high official concerned, he said. After visiting the affected areas, GR Sarwar, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Aditmari upazila, said a list of affected people is being prepared and assistance will be provided as per the list. Teesta erosion worsens in Kurigram; 50 homes swept away

Farmers in Narail district are seeing profits multiplied up to six times by growing off-season watermelons in Kalia upazila, thanks to the local agricultural department officials for introducing hybrid variants of watermelons in the area. Normally, February to April is the season of the mouth-watering summer fruit but officials of the local Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) introduced hybrid variants in Kalia upazila during monsoon. A total of eight hectares of land in Kalia upazila are being used to grow the off-season watermelons, with a target to produce 15 tonnes of the fruit per hectare. The DAE officials provided fertilizers, seeds and cash to the farmers and with their help, watermelons are being cultivated along the bank of the fish enclosures and waterbodies in Gobindanagar, Salamabad, and Bhaktadanga areas. On a remote char in country's poorest district, watermelon cultivation transforms lives Farmers are growing Asian-2, Tripti and Black Baby hybrid variants of watermelon. These variants taste sweet and delicious, they say. Farmers say they spent Tk 15,000-20,000 per hectare and sold watermelons worth Tk 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh per hectare. Sheikh Kamal Hossain, a resident of Bhaurir Char in the upazila and assistant professor at Nabadanga Degree College, said, “I took training from Dumuria upazila of Khulna district and after that, I have planted 1000 saplings of watermelon on seven acres of land along the fish enclosures on an experimental basis last year. I have earned Tk 2 lakh from this.” This year, he planted 2000 saplings on the same land after spending Tk 70,000. He expects to earn Tk 4 lakh from watermelon production this year. Rain, hailstorm worry Khulna watermelon growers Pradeep Kumar Barman, councilor of ward-6 under Kalia municipality, said this year he planted 12,000 saplings along the bank of 150 bigha of fish enclosures during monsoon. “So far I have spent Tk 10 lakh. Within 35 days, flowers started to bloom and I started harvesting watermelon within 60-65 days of planting. Each watermelon weighs almost 4 kg.” He also expected to produce 2 lakh kgs of watermelon this year and if the market prices remain favorable, he could be able to earn Tk 40 lakh. Low price dims the joy of watermelon growers in Khulna despite bumper harvest Depak Kumar Roy, deputy director of Narail DAE, said the farmers are earning profits up to six times considering their expenditure, within 60-65 days of cultivation. “We are providing all-out support through using smart technology and providing fertilizer and pesticides for good production of watermelon.” Eva Mallik, Kalia Upazila Agriculture Officer, said “Watermelon is no longer a seasonal fruit now, and it can be produced throughout the year. Flowers start to bloom within 40-50 days of planting saplings and 70-80 days are needed for harvesting.” Most of the farmers in the district are showing interest in cultivating the off-season hybrid watermelon on their lands as it has proven to be profitable, he said. Read more: Bangladesh can go for Chinese perennial rice farming to reduce cost and labour

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep local cautionary signal no. 3 hoisted as the monsoon depression over India’s West Bengal-Bihar and adjoining area moved west-northwestwards and now lies over north Chhattisgarh and adjoining area. It is likely to move in a west-northwesterly direction further and weaken gradually into a well-marked low, said a special bulletin of the Met office on Thursday (August 03, 2023). Maritime ports asked to hoist cautionary signal 3 Under its influence steep pressure gradient persists over north Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. Squally weather is likely to continue over north Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. Maritime ports asked to hoist cautionary signal 3 All fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. Maritime ports advised to lower signal