RAJSHAHI, April 23, 2026 (BSS) - An intense heatwave sweeping across Rajshahi has triggered an unusual crisis in litchi orchards, with fruits cracking on trees before ripening and in many cases falling prematurely, raising concerns among farmers over possible production losses. Since the beginning of April, the district has been experiencing mild to moderate heatwaves. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature rose to 40 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded so far this season.  Prior to this, Rajshahi endured continuous spells of moderate heat, interrupted occasionally by sudden light rainfall. This unstable weather pattern has significantly affected litchi cultivation. At orchards on the Public Health Engineering Office premises in Chandipur area of the city, litchi trees were found bearing near-mature fruits, but several fruits in each bunch had already split. Many were also seen with blackish and brown spots, while a number of small litchis had fallen to the ground prematurely. Farmers said high daytime temperatures combined with insufficient soil moisture are disrupting the normal development of the fruit. A similar situation was observed in orchards in the Raypara area. Orchard owner Rafiqul Islam said litchi cracking during heat is not new, but this year's intensity is unusually high, raising fears of reduced yield. Iman Ali, a litchi grower from Mohanpur upazila, said, "It was extremely hot a few days ago, and now humidity has increased again. Because of this weather fluctuation, litchis are splitting on the trees and we are very worried." Abul Kashem, a farmer from Godagari, said the lack of rain combined with high humidity is worsening the situation. "If this unstable weather continues, Rajshahi's litchi production will suffer serious damage," he added. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi, said the damage is mainly due to the heatwave.  He explained that prolonged heat followed by sudden rainfall causes rapid swelling inside the fruit, while the skin cannot expand at the same rate, leading to cracking. He confirmed that similar reports have been received from field offices. Shahidul Islam, Senior Observer at the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, said temperatures have been rising steadily since early April. On Wednesday at 3:00 pm, the temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius, while the previous day it was 39.5 degrees Celsius. Early morning temperatures remained around 26-27 degrees Celsius. He said temperatures between 36-38 degrees Celsius are considered a mild heatwave, while 38-40 degrees Celsius is categorized as a moderate heatwave.  Rajshahi has experienced both throughout April, with Wednesday marking an escalation to an intense heatwave. Intermittent rainfall was also recorded during the month, including 6.6 millimetres last Sunday and light showers on April 8, 9, and 10. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi had 530 hectares of litchi orchards last year, producing 3,768 metric tons of fruit.  This year, orchard area slightly decreased to 528 hectares, but production targets were set higher. However, current weather conditions have raised doubts about achieving the target. Officials said the combination of heatwave conditions and irregular rainfall is creating uncertainty over the region's famous litchi production, with farmers now hoping for stable and favorable weather in the coming days. Agricultural experts have advised farmers to ensure regular irrigation even during dry spells and, if necessary, to spray water on trees. They also suggested the use of boron, zinc, or plant hormones to help reduce fruit cracking.

CHATTOGRAM, April 23, 2026 (BSS) - Two construction workers were killed and two others injured after a sudden landslide during excavation work for a WASA project at Agrabad Access Road in the port city this morning. The deceased were identified as Tushar, 22, and Rakib, 25, both hailing from Dinajpur district. The injured workers, Sagar and Ershad, are currently undergoing treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. According to officials, the accident occurred while soil was being excavated for a sewerage project under Chattogram WASA, implemented by the Chinese contractor Sino Hydro (Hydro China company). During the work, a portion of the soil suddenly collapsed, burying four workers beneath it. Fellow workers immediately rescued the victims and rushed them to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared Tushar and Rakib dead on arrival, hospital sources said. Confirming the incident, Chattogram WASA Supervisor Engineer Md. Ariful Islam said the excavation work was part of an ongoing sewerage development project being carried out by the foreign contractor. Inspector Nurul Alam Ashek of the hospital police outpost said the two injured workers are now receiving treatment in the hospital's casualty ward.  Law enforcement officials said necessary legal steps are being taken over the incident.