As water levels recede in Sylhet, Bangladesh, residents are returning from shelters to find their homes damaged by recent floods. Many, like Sitara Begum, face financial challenges in rebuilding. The government and private aid are insufficient to meet the needs of affected families. While some areas remain waterlogged, the flood situation is expected to improve within 72 hours. Tourist spots in Sylhet and Sunamganj have reopened as conditions stabilize. The Water Development Board and Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre report decreasing water levels in key rivers, though some areas still experience flooding.

The flood situation in Sylhet, Bangladesh, is worsening, affecting 2.1 million people and displacing over 51,000 to shelters. Rivers like the Surma and Kushiyara are above danger levels, causing widespread inundation in Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Sunamganj. Relief efforts are underway, with the government providing food and cash assistance. The Sylhet City Corporation is feeding thousands in shelters, while the government plans to dredge rivers to mitigate future flooding. The floods have led to the postponement of exams and have resulted in casualties, including the drowning of two individuals.

The flood situation in Sylhet is worsening, affecting 2.1 million people and displacing over 51,000 to shelters. Rivers like the Surma and Kushiyara are above danger levels, exacerbating the crisis. Relief efforts are underway, with the government providing food and cash, and Sylhet City Corporation feeding thousands. The government plans to dredge rivers to mitigate future flooding. Two children drowned in Moulvibazar, highlighting the severity of the situation.

A study identifies single-day extreme rainfall events as the main cause of flash floods in Sylhet, exacerbated by climate change. The research, involving multiple institutions, highlights an increase in such events, despite a decrease in overall monsoon rainfall. The Surma River's limited capacity and disrupted wetlands contribute to the flooding. Experts emphasize the need to protect waterbodies to mitigate future impacts.

A Bangladeshi technology startup, CRUX, has developed a low-cost, power-efficient, and portable medical ventilator named 'Rapidly Developable Low Cost and Power Efficient Portable Turbine-Based Emergency Ventilator'. The technology has been made open-source, allowing for widespread production. The ventilator has been certified by the Open Source Hardware Association and will be presented at an international conference in Kyoto. Despite financial challenges and lack of initial sponsorship, the project has gained international recognition, showcasing the potential of Bangladeshi innovation.

Established in 1892, Sylhet's first college, Murari Chand College, faces deterioration of its historic Assam-type buildings. Despite their architectural and cultural significance, these structures are at risk without urgent conservation efforts. Supreme Court Advocate Golam Subhan Chowdhury Dipon leads a movement to protect these buildings, highlighting the negligence of responsible authorities. The Department of Archaeology plans to inspect and potentially declare the buildings as antiquities. The college principal suggests that if conservation is not feasible, the buildings may be demolished and rebuilt with matching designs.

Environmental activists and citizens have condemned the government's decision to establish a safari park in Moulvibazar's Juri upazila, calling it irresponsible and harmful to the forest's biodiversity. The project, approved by Ecnec, faces criticism for potentially destroying 10,000 trees and endangering species. Despite widespread opposition and legal concerns, the government proceeded with the project, leading to strong reactions from various environmental and rights organizations.

The article details the severe hardships faced by BNP leaders and activists in Bangladesh due to numerous legal cases filed against them, which are described as politically motivated. It highlights personal stories of financial ruin, psychological trauma, and social ostracism, emphasizing the impact on families. The piece criticizes the ruling Awami League for allegedly using the legal system to harass opposition members and calls for legal reforms to prevent such abuses. The article also includes expert opinions on the psychological effects on children and comparisons with legal practices in other countries.

Awami League candidates in four of the six constituencies in Sylhet district are expected to face tough competition in the upcoming national elections on January 7. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmed are likely to have an easier run in Sylhet 1 and 4, respectively. In Sylhet 2, Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury faces multiple contenders, including Yahya Chowdhury and Mokabbir Khan. In Sylhet 3, Habibur Rahman is up against five contenders, with allegations of campaign obstructions. Sylhet 5 sees Mashuk Uddin Ahmed facing strong competition from Ahmed Al-Kabir and Mohammad Husamuddin Chowdhury. Former education minister Nurul Islam Nahid in Sylhet 6 faces tough opposition from Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury and others.

Sunamganj's canals, vital for local livelihoods, are severely impacted by encroachment and construction, leading to significant flooding issues. Despite a High Court order to clear encroachments, many illegal structures remain, and construction continues. Local authorities and organizations call for continued administrative action and proper dredging to prevent future floods. Budget constraints and future plans for canal protection are highlighted by the municipality.