United News of Bangladesh

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday stressed the need to ensure the protection of environmental human rights defenders and bring their safety under a legal framework. “Environmental defenders around the world are facing killings and violence, an issue that the United Nations has highlighted as highly significant and Bangladesh law should also reflect this concern,” she at the National Consultation on the Draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025at a hotel in Dhaka. .Rizwana  said while proposed National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025 is a well-drafted and comprehensive piece of legislation  encompassing investigation, recommendation, compensation, training, arbitration, and mediation its success will depend on how effectively the Commission is empowered and capacitated.  “Just putting people in the chair will not be enough,” she cautioned. “We must orient them with the soft values of human rights, alongside the institutional and legal mechanisms necessary for enforcement,” she said. Rizwana calls for stronger international support on climate action, energy transition Referring to the judiciary’s role in addressing rights violations, she emphasised the need for stronger coordination between the judiciary and the human rights bodies. Despite important directions from the courts, a sense of helplessness sometimes persists in ensuring enforcement, she added. The Environment Adviser said the commission’s recommendations should carry both moral and legal weight. “Moral force is vital in a country like Bangladesh, but there must also be enforceable mechanisms, particularly for arbitration and mediation outcomes.” Highlighting areas for improvement in the draft, Rizwana suggested expanding the definition of “person” to explicitly include government agencies and law enforcement bodies, which she said is critical for ensuring accountability. She also proposed the establishment of a panel of lawyers within the Commission to strengthen its investigative and advisory capacity, as well as regular evaluation of its performance. She further noted that the new Human Rights Commission law should complement other proposed commissions  such as those on police reform, women’s rights, enforced disappearances, and media freedom to create a coherent and reinforcing legal ecosystem for human rights protection. Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Md. Asaduzzaman, Attorney General for Bangladesh; Reto Siegfried Renggli, Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland to Bangladesh; Anders B. Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Denmark to Bangladesh; Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh, among others, spoke at the event. The consultation was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Law, representatives from the United Nations, development partners, human rights organizations, and members of civil society.

At least 146 land and environmental defenders were killed or went missing worldwide in 2024, with more than 80% of the cases reported in Latin America, according to a report released Wednesday by watchdog group Global Witness. The London-based organization said Latin America remains the most dangerous region for people defending their homes, communities, and natural resources, accounting for 120 of the total cases. Colombia was the deadliest country, recording 48 killings — nearly one-third of global cases — followed by Guatemala with 20 and Mexico with 18. Guatemala saw a fivefold increase in killings compared to 2023, making it the country with the highest per capita rate of defender deaths. Brazil reported 12 killings, while Honduras, Chile, and Mexico each recorded one disappearance. Laura Furones, lead researcher of the report, told the Associated Press that multiple factors drive persistent violence in Latin America, particularly in Colombia. “These countries are rich in natural resources and vast tracts of land are under pressure for food and feed production. Conflicts over resource extraction and land use often lead to attacks against those defending their rights,” she said. Since 2012, Global Witness has documented over 2,250 killings and disappearances of land and environmental defenders globally, nearly three-quarters of which occurred in Latin America. Close to 1,000 cases were recorded since 2018, when the region adopted the Escazú Agreement — a treaty aimed at protecting environmental defenders, guaranteeing access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making, and timely measures to prevent and punish attacks. The report highlighted that Indigenous peoples continue to face disproportionate risks, accounting for roughly one-third of global lethal attacks despite representing only about 6% of the world population. Ninety-four percent of attacks on Indigenous defenders occurred in Latin America. In Colombia’s Cauca region, Indigenous youth are participating in community “semilleros” (seedbeds) to learn environmental care, cultural traditions, and territorial defense to protect their land from armed groups and extractive industries. Small-scale farmers were also heavily targeted, making up 35% of victims in the region. Many killings were linked to land disputes, extractive industries such as mining, logging, agribusiness, and criminal networks. Organized crime, private security forces, and hired hitmen were implicated in numerous cases. Colombia’s Putumayo department, bridging the Andes and the Amazon, illustrates the dangers defenders face. Rich in forests and rivers, the area is also a hotspot for armed groups, extractive projects, and illicit trade, including drug trafficking and illegal mining. Environmental defenders described living under constant threat, with illegal activities tied to armed groups making them frequent targets. Andrew Miller of Amazon Watch said transnational criminal networks involved in drug, gold, and timber trafficking have increasingly become a major source of deadly threats against environmental defenders. “The security situation for defenders across the Amazon is becoming increasingly precarious,” he warned.  

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 11th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 103 at 10:30am this morning (June 21, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘Unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ according to the AQI index. Such air quality continued for the past few days.  When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Uganda’s Kampala, Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa and Indonesia’s Batam cities respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 155, 147 and 139 respectively. Dhaka’s air quality continues to be ‘moderate’ The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.    

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, recorded a moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 64 at 10:54am on Thursday, ranking 48th among cities with the worst air quality—better than Dubai (score of 128, ranking 8th). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ referring to a light health threat, according to the AQI index. Such air quality continued for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday. Dhaka’s air quality continues to be ‘moderate’ When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Pakistan’s Lahore, Kuwait’s Kuwait and Egypt’s Cairo respectively occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 160, 159 and 152 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.  

he European Union (EU) on Thursday reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting nature, promoting biodiversity and safeguarding the environment.  The EU Embassy in Bangladesh made the remarks in a brief message marking the World Environment Day. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.  In 2025, it is hosted by the Republic of Korea. Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode.  To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.  Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040, according to the UN. Globally, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers. Microplastics in the seas now outnumber stars in our galaxy. The annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution ranges between US$300 billion and US$600 billion.

The World Environment Day is being observed around the world on Thursday with a call to raise global awareness about the damaging effects of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife and human health. In Bangladesh, the day’s programmes will formally be observed on June 25 due to Eid-ul-Azha holiday.   The theme of this year's day is “Beat Plastic Pollution.”  The campaign seeks to raise global awareness about the damaging effects of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Different organisations are observing  the day with elaborate programmes. The World Environment Day is the United Nations' principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. First celebrated in 1973, it has now become a widely recognised day celebrated in more than 100 countries around the globe. The day is celebrated every year on June 5 throughout the world with different themes to create awareness about the importance of protecting planet Earth and Mother Nature.

The Ministry of Environment has urged people to adopt environment-friendly practices in the management of sacrificial animal waste during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Improper disposal of Qurbani waste and indiscriminate slaughtering of animals contribute to environmental pollution, pose health risks and cause suffering to the public, said a release of the ministry issued on Thursday. These challenges can only be addressed through active and conscious participation by everyone, it said. The ministry called on people to strictly use designated slaughtering spots specified by city corporations, municipalities and local government bodies, including district, upazila and union councils.  It also advised the public to avoid slaughtering animals in open or unauthorized areas. To ensure hygiene and safety, individuals involved in slaughtering and related activities have been asked to use personal protective gear such as gloves, masks and aprons.  Animal blood, dung and other waste should be buried in designated pits, and must not be discarded in open areas.  Waste materials—including hides, bones, entrails and horns—should be disposed of in designated bins or official waste collection points, the ministry added. Citizens have been encouraged to use biodegradable and eco-friendly bags or containers, rather than plastic, for distributing meat and removing waste.  Timely and hygienic waste disposal, with assistance from local authorities, is described as a civic and social duty.  

Environment Aviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Saturday urged the youth to steer clear of greed, the lure of power, financial irregularities, and corruption, and instead dedicate themselves to serve the nation. She made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Manifesto Talk: Youth, Environment and Climate"at the Department of Environment in the capital. No scope for national election to go beyond  June next year: Rizwana Rizwana Hasan also formally inaugurated the Youth Climate Coalition during the event, said an official release. Calling for united action among young people to address the growing risks of climate change, she said, “Young people must work together to combat the challenges posed by climate change.” She said the government has taken three major initiatives—removal of outdated buses, introduction of electric vehicles, and a ban on establishing new brick kilns around Dhaka. The adviser said, “We want development, but not at the cost of nature. Filling up wetlands, cutting hills, and negligence in waste management must not continue. Development must be planned with respect for nature.” “Environmental protection is not the government’s responsibility alone; it’s everyone’s. Use jute or cloth bags when shopping. Safeguarding the environment is responsibility of all, not an individual one.” She proposed three model waste management projects for the north and south city corporations and emphasized the need for sustainable, biodegradable, and recyclable methods. “Single-use plastics must be banned without delay,” she asserted. She warned that the fires caused by waste piles in Aminbazar and Matuail pose serious public health threats. “These fires are increasing the risk of lung cancer for nearby residents. This issue must be addressed urgently,” she said. She stressed that old trees must not be cut in the name of road expansion. “Development plans must include tree preservation. The Forest Department and Public Works Department are working together to redesign the museum layout to save existing trees—this is a message of hope.” Others who spoke at the event included Mohammad Ejaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Ziaul Haque, Director of the Department of Environment; and Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Professor at Stamford University. Govt formulating plans to prevent further damage to rivers: Adviser Rizwana More than 300 young climate activists participated in the programme.  

The landslide that buried most of a Swiss village this week is focusing renewed attention on the role of global warming in glacier collapses around the world and the increasing dangers. How glaciers collapse — from the Alps and Andes to the Himalayas and Antarctica — can differ, scientists say. But in almost every instance, climate change is playing a role.  Dhaka’s air turns ‘moderate’ under influence of deep depression In Switzerland, the mountainside gave way Wednesday near the village of Blatten, in the southern Lötschental valley, because the rock face above the Birch Glacier had become unstable when mountain permafrost melted, causing debris to fall and cover the glacier in recent years, said Martin Truffer, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who studies how glaciers move. While the debris insulated the glacier and slowed melting, its weight caused the ice to begin moving — which accelerated dramatically a few weeks ago. Authorities ordered the evacuation of about 300 people, as well as all livestock, from the village in recent days, “when it became clear that there’s a whole mountainside that’s about to collapse,” said Truffer, who is from Switzerland. Glacial lakes pose threatLakes that form at the base of glaciers as they melt and retreat also sometimes burst, often with catastrophic results. Water can even lift an entire glacier, allowing it to drain, said Truffer, adding that Alaska’s capital of Juneau has flooded in recent years because a lake forms every year on a rapidly retreating glacier and eventually bursts. In 2022, an apartment building-sized chunk of the Marmolada glacier in Italy’s Dolomite mountains detached during a summer heat wave, sending an avalanche of debris down the popular summer hiking destination, killing 11. A glacier in Tibet’s Aru mountain range suddenly collapsed in 2016, killing nine people and their livestock, followed a few months later by the collapse of another glacier. There also have been collapses in Peru, including one in 2006 that caused a mini tsunami; most recently, a glacial lagoon overflowed in April, triggering a landslide that killed two. “It's amazing sometimes how rapidly they can collapse,” said Lonnie Thompson, a glacier expert at the Ohio State University. “The instability of these glaciers is a real and growing problem, and there are thousands and thousands of people that are at risk.” Scientists say melting glaciers will raise sea levels for decades, but the loss of inland glaciers also acutely affects those living nearby who rely on them for water for drinking water and agriculture. No way to stop the meltingScientists say greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal have already locked in enough global warming to doom many of the world's glaciers — which already have retreated significantly. Global temperature likely to cross 1.5°C threshold within 5 years: WMO For example, glaciers in the Alps have lost 50% of their area since 1950, and the rate at which ice is being lost has been accelerating, with “projections ... that all the glaciers in the Alps could be gone in this century,” Thompson said. Switzerland, which has the most glaciers of any country in Europe, saw 4% of its total glacier volume disappear in 2023, the second-biggest decline in a single year after a 6% drop in 2022. A 2023 study found that Peru has lost more than half of its glacier surface in the last six decades, and 175 glaciers disappeared due to climate change between 2016 and 2020, mostly due to the increase in the average global temperature. A study published Thursday in Science said that even if global temperatures stabilized at their current level, 40% of the world's glaciers still would be lost. But if warming were limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit ) — the long-term warming limit since the late 1800s called for by the 2015 Paris climate agreement — twice as much glacier ice could be preserved than would be otherwise. Even so, many areas will become ice-free no matter what, Truffer, the University of Alaska expert. “There's places in Alaska where we've shown that it doesn't take any more global warming,” for them to disappear, Truffer said. “The reason some ... (still) exist is simply because it takes a certain amount of time for them to melt. But the climate is already such that they’re screwed.”  

The fashion industry, which has always been praised for its productive and cultural contributions, has turned into one of the most environmentally damaging sectors in the world. Its impact stretches across natural resources and climates. From piling up in masses in landfills, polluting and clogging water, and making air unbreathable to destroying the balance in the earth’s resources and atmospheres, fashion waste is making life impossible on the planet. What is Fashion Waste? The term fashion waste refers to the useless materials naturally produced during the manufacturing of textile products and thrown away afterwards. It also includes worn-out clothes and other materials like wastewater, plastic waste, and toxic dyes discarded or discharged after their use. Though the term fashion waste mostly highlights the wastage related to garments and fabrics, it has more branches. Any poisonous discharge of non-biodegradable waste that pollutes energy and natural elements like earth, water, and air during or after the manufacturing and use cycle of garment products falls under the definition of fashion waste. Read more: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe to Donate Some Clothes Key Environmental Impacts of Fashion Waste . Landfill Overflow Much of the fashion waste is synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These elements take about centuries to decompose and mix with soils or never decompose. There are many regions on the earth where miles after miles have been occupied by them. Massive piles of non-biodegradable materials are slowly eroding away, releasing poisons into the soil and air, making those regions unlivable. In 2018, the US single-handedly generated about 11.3 million tonnes of textile waste, about 66% of which ended up in landfills. Water Clog and Pollution Fashion waste contaminates water in two ways: chemically transforming its nature and clogging it with insoluble materials like plastic. Among chemical polluters, textile dyeing is the world's most common and second-largest water contaminant. Several rivers in Bangladesh and India, such as the Buriganga and Ganges, are carrying the mark of the devastating impact of textile waste. Synthetic and plastic materials cause water clogs, impeding usual flow and preventing water from passing. They are the primary reason for clogged drains and sewerage. Synthetic clothes are also known to release microplastics into water during washing or when dumped in a water body. These microplastics are invisible, insoluble fibres that travel with river currents and fall into oceans, where they accumulate in large amounts and are consumed by marine life.  Read more: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Suit Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dumped clothing waste in landfills doesn’t only pile up and occupy spaces; during decomposition, it releases methane, one of the primary catalysts of the global greenhouse effect and about 25 times more potent than CO2. Studies have found the fashion manufacturing industry to be highly energy-intensive. To manufacture a single shirt, about 2,700 litres of water are needed, and 2.1 kg of CO₂ is emitted. A pair of jeans produces 33.4 kg of CO₂ in their cotton cultivation and dyeing phases. At the current production acceleration rate in the fashion industry, the emission rate will increase by about 50% by 2030 without interference from regulatory bodies. Resource Depletion The fashion industry is one of the most resource-depleting sectors. For example, cotton covers around 2.5% of the world’s farmland and consumes about 24% of all insecticides and 11% of pesticides. That’s a huge environmental cost for a single crop. Then there’s polyester, the most common fabric in today’s clothing, found in about 60% of garments. It’s made from crude oil, tying fast fashion directly to fossil fuel depletion. Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career The impact doesn’t stop at raw materials. The dyeing and finishing stages of textile production are some of the most chemically intensive and responsible for nearly 20% of global industrial water pollution. Around 43 million tonnes of chemicals are poured into the process each year.