বাংলা | Epaper

বাংলা E-Paper 📍 Dhaka 📅 Sunday | 18 October 2026, 2 Kartik 1433 PID registration number 06

HEADLINE

● 17 killed in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede ● Youth must lead effort to build BD for all: PM ● Maha Saptami: The sacred nine plants of Durga Puja ● TupTup Resort manager detained after deadly fire in Cox’s Bazar ● Doctor suspended after smoking during PM’s hospital visit ● Death sentences for 2 Bangladeshis in Saudi a lesson: State minister ● Biman suspends all Riyadh-bound flights indefinitely

Southeast Asia raises highest alert over worsening haze

Published : Saturday, 17 October, 2026 at 6:22 PM

Observer Online Report

The ASEAN region has raised its haze alert to the highest level of concern after moderate to dense haze persisted in several areas for at least two consecutive days, raising fears of severe transboundary pollution.

The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) issued the alert under its four-tier warning system. The current level is the third and highest alert stage, used when the risk of severe haze spreading across national borders is high.

On Saturday, October 17, Indonesia said it was using dry ice to disperse haze around a major airport in South Sumatra province.

Singapore ranked as the world’s second most polluted major city on IQAir’s live pollution index on Saturday, behind Baghdad. Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, ranked third.

The haze has disrupted daily life in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Timor-Leste. Several educational institutions have been forced to close, while respiratory illnesses have increased. Outdoor activities and movement have also been restricted in affected areas.

Singapore announced on Friday that it would issue warnings to seven Indonesian companies identified as being responsible for fires linked to the haze.

The worsening situation has raised concerns over public health and the environment, highlighting the need for regional cooperation to control smoke and pollution spreading across national borders.

sks

Also read

Sisi rules out staying in power beyond 2030

17 killed in Kolkata Durga Puja stampede

Iran arms Houthis to attack Saudi Arabia

Egypt ready to defend Saudi Arabia if asked: Sisi

Five of family die after eating noodles in India

Protests erupt in Paris over rising living costs

Sri Lanka hit by nationwide power outage

B'desh Embassy in Athens honours Lalon Shah

Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], ‍[email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296

🔝