[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

[Saif]

BELA demands cancellation of road, car park project in Osmani Udyan

In the letter, sent on February 9, BELA urged authorities to immediately halt all activities encroaching upon open spaces in the park. It also called for consultations with urban planners to remove unauthorised structures and ensure unrestricted public access, according to a press release

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BELA demands cancellation of road, car park project in Osmani Udyan

The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association yesterday sent a formal letter demanding the cancellation of the proposed road construction through Osmani Udyan and the planned 20-storey car parking facility within the park.

In the letter, sent on February 9, BELA urged authorities to immediately halt all activities encroaching upon open spaces in the park. It also called for consultations with urban planners to remove unauthorised structures and ensure unrestricted public access, according to a press release.

Recent media reports revealed that the Ministry of Public Administration plans to build a connecting road from Fulbaria Phoenix Road to Abdul Gani Road through Osmani Udyan to facilitate vehicular movement towards the Secretariat. Additionally, a 20-story car parking facility is planned within the park.

Over the past seven years, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has constructed various structures inside the park under the guise of renovation, restricting public access.

According to urban planners, while legal provisions allow a maximum of 5 percent infrastructure development in parks, 23 percent of Osmani Udyan has already been occupied by structures.

Bangladesh's laws prohibit using or transferring playgrounds or open spaces for any purpose other than their intended use. The courts have also issued clear directives for preserving parks and playgrounds, including the removal of unauthorised structures.

BELA sent the letter to several top officials, including the secretaries of the ministries of housing and public works, public administration, and environment, as well as the local government division. It was also addressed to the administrator of DSCC, the chairman and chief town planner of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, and the chief engineer of the Public Works Department.

The letter strongly opposes any decision that contradicts existing laws and court directives regarding the preservation of parks and open spaces.​

 

[Saif]

Nearly all nations miss UN deadline

Nearly all nations missed a UN deadline to submit new targets for slashing carbon emissions, including major economies under pressure to show leadership following the US retreat on climate change.

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Nearly all nations miss UN deadline

Nearly all nations missed a UN deadline to submit new targets for slashing carbon emissions, including major economies under pressure to show leadership following the US retreat on climate change.

Just 10 of nearly 200 countries required under the Paris Agreement to deliver fresh climate plans by February 10 did so on time, according to a UN database tracking the submissions.

Under the climate accord, each country is supposed to provide a steeper headline figure for cutting heat-trapping emissions by 2035, and a detailed blueprint for how to achieve this.

Global emissions have been rising but need to almost halve by the end of the decade to limit global warming to safer levels agreed under the Paris deal.

UN climate chief Simon Stiell has called this latest round of national pledges "the most important policy documents of this century".

Yet just a handful of major polluters handed in upgraded targets on time, with China, India and the European Union the biggest names on a lengthy absentee list.

Most G20 economies were missing in action with the United States, Britain and Brazil -- which is hosting this year's UN climate summit -- the only exceptions.

The US pledge is largely symbolic, made before President Donald Trump ordered Washington out of the Paris deal.

- Accountability -

There is no penalty for submitting late targets, formally titled nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

They are not legally binding but act as an accountability measure to ensure countries are taking climate change seriously and doing their fair share toward achieving the Paris goals.

The sluggish response will not ease fears of a possible backslide on climate action as leaders juggle Trump's return and other competing priorities from budget and security crises to electoral pressure.

Ebony Holland from the International Institute for Environment and Development said the US retreat was "clearly a setback" but there were many reasons for the tepid turnout.

The EU, historically a leader on climate policy, has been delayed by elections and internal processes and is bracing for fresh polls in Germany and Poland.

An EU spokeswoman said a collective target for the 27-nation bloc would be unveiled "well ahead" of the UN COP30 climate conference in November.​

 

[Saif]

Natural disasters cost Bangladesh $3 billion annually

Extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves, cost Bangladesh nearly US$3.0 billion annually, affecting over 6.3 million people each year. These findings are part of 'The Climate Risk Index 2025' report, released Thursday by the Germanwatch. The report focused o

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Natural disasters cost Bangladesh $3 billion annually
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Feb 13, 2025 17:47
Updated :
Feb 13, 2025 18:18

Extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves, cost Bangladesh nearly US$3.0 billion annually, affecting over 6.3 million people each year.

These findings are part of 'The Climate Risk Index 2025' report, released Thursday by the Germanwatch.

The report focused on the disproportionate impact of climate change on global south countries.

Between 1993 and 2022, more than 9,400 extreme weather events worldwide caused nearly 0.8 million deaths and $4.2 trillion in economic losses.

Dominica, China, and Honduras were the most affected countries, while Bangladesh ranked 31st.

The report said a devastating heatwave from March to May 2022, which reached 49.5°C in Pakistan and extended to India and Bangladesh, caused over 90 deaths.

A study by the World Weather Attribution project found that climate change made this heatwave 30 times more likely, underscoring the growing threat of compounding climate events.

Despite its vulnerability, Bangladesh has become a global leader in disaster risk reduction.

Cyclone-related deaths have dropped more than 100-fold over the past 40 years—from 0.5 million in 1970 to 4,234 in 2007—thanks to improved early warning systems and community preparedness.

The report also noted that China, India, and the Philippines face recurring extreme weather, while Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu are most affected by exceptional disasters.

Italy, Spain, and Greece were among the top 10 most affected countries globally, showing that even wealthy nations are not immune.

Laura Schaefer of Germanwatch warned that the climate crisis is becoming a global security risk, requiring urgent action. David Eckstein emphasized that $4.2 trillion in losses over 30 years equals Germany’s GDP, urging stronger mitigation efforts.

Lina Adil from the same organisation called for increased climate finance for vulnerable nations, particularly at the upcoming Brazil Climate Summit, to keep global warming near the 1.5°C target.​

 

[Saif]

Coats plans to go greener in Bangladesh

The UK-headquartered thread manufacturer Coats Group has been expanding its operations in Bangladesh to meet the growing demand from local customers, according to a top official.

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Coats plans to go greener in Bangladesh

David Paja

The UK-headquartered thread manufacturer Coats Group has been expanding its operations in Bangladesh to meet the growing demand from local customers, according to a top official.

The globally leading thread-maker is also opting to go green as it aims to take the "driving seat in sustainability," said David Paja, the group chief executive officer (CEO) of Coats.

In an interview with The Daily Star at a hotel in Dhaka last week, Paja said the group has set targets to use 60 percent recycled content by 2026 and 100 percent non-virgin raw materials by 2030.

Currently, Coats uses 45 percent of its raw materials from non-virgin sources.

In Bangladesh, the thread-maker runs two production plants -- one in Gazipur and another in Chattogram. The Chattogram factory was built 35 years ago, while the second plant was opened in Gazipur in 2002.

The factories employ more than 2,000 workers.

The company says it has been facing growing demand from local customers as Bangladesh's apparel exports have increased substantially. The demand for apparel accessories, such as thread, is also on the rise.

It now supplies sewing thread to more than 800 customers in Bangladesh, Paja said.

He added that the group now looks to produce sustainable and recyclable products, as the demand for items like recycled thread, yarn and apparel has been increasing worldwide due mainly to changing consumer habits in fashion.

According to Paja, the thread business is promising in Bangladesh due to its ready customer base, geographical proximity to manufacturing hubs and the country's large number of manufacturing units.

Moreover, Bangladesh holds a strong position in the global tariff regime and has a solid track record about its apparel might.

Besides, the country gets the benefit from a ready workforce, with more than 20 lakh people entering the job market every year.

The group CEO said that over the last five years, the group has continued to invest in expanding its capacity in Bangladesh, as the market is very promising.

Also, the company has set a target to invest in water recycling processes to reuse 50 percent of its wastewater as part of its sustainability plan.

Coats has been planning its sustainability strategy around five pillars: reducing emissions; transitioning materials from virgin to recycled products; water recycling; ensuring zero waste to landfill; and making Coats a great place to work for its people and promoting female leadership.

Paja said, "Coats has been the global leader in thread for decades, and it has a responsibility. We have decided to take the driving seat in sustainability. We have an energy roadmap for 2050."

Regarding energy costs and availability, Paja said his company has already focused on energy sustainability, which is why energy-efficient tools have been installed at its plants.

The company has invested in heat recovery systems and motors to reduce energy consumption. Currently, 30 percent of the company's energy demand is met by solar panels installed on its rooftops, while 60 percent is generated by the company itself. The remaining 10 percent of the energy requirement comes from the national grid.

When asked whether Bangladesh could benefit from the Trump administration's decision to impose tariffs on China and other countries, Paja said it is difficult to anticipate and forecast.

However, Bangladesh has already benefited from the additional tariffs, as work orders have shifted from China to Bangladesh.

Apart from the apparel accessories sector going green, Paja said the fashion industry itself needs to transform, as consumers are now demanding more sustainable products.

Digital technologies must be further developed, as brands face pressure to provide greater traceability of raw materials and finished products. Digital solutions help consumers trace products accurately, he added.

The group CEO said that three key issues -- sustainability, digital technology and innovation -- will shape the future of the fashion industry; and Coats is well ahead in all three areas.​

 

[Saif]

Reclaiming canals: Now or never

With the canal reclamation drive on the agenda of the interim government, one wonders whether it makes Dhaka dwellers at all optimistic about its success, given the decades of repeated failures to accomplish the task. Despite the undeniable benefits of reclaiming lost and threatened canals, urban e

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Reclaiming canals: Now or never
Wasi Ahmed
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 22:49
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 22:49

A canal in Dhaka illegally occupied by local people is filled with household waste and garbage. —Collected Photo

With the canal reclamation drive on the agenda of the interim government, one wonders whether it makes Dhaka dwellers at all optimistic about its success, given the decades of repeated failures to accomplish the task. Despite the undeniable benefits of reclaiming lost and threatened canals, urban experts remain sceptical due to the authorities' long history of inaction. Successive governments have pledged to take strict measures, yet tangible results remain elusive. The interim government's advisor for water resources, climate change, and environment, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, has announced an ambitious plan to reclaim nineteen canals across the capital this year by evicting encroachers. Of these, six canals-Baunia Canal, Rupnagar Canal, Begunbari Canal, Manda Canal, Kalunagar Canal, and Korail Lake-will be freed from encroachment and pollution before the upcoming monsoon. Speaking at the inauguration of the restoration works under Dhaka's two city corporations, the advisor also revealed plans to begin reclaiming 13 additional canals shortly. The government intends to introduce agricultural activities, greenery, and fish farming along the banks of the restored canals, while urging city dwellers to actively engage in the protection of these vital waterways. This time, the authorities seem more cautious than ever, acknowledging past failures and leveraging the advantage of being free from political influences. A key difference in this initiative is the level of inter-agency collaboration and community involvement, which was absent in previous efforts. For the first time, four ministries-Local Government, Environment, Water Resources, and Housing and Public Works-are jointly overseeing the project. Supporting entities include Dhaka WASA, Rajuk, the district administration, NGOs such as BAPA and Green Voice, and the Bangladesh Army. The plan involves demarcating canal boundaries, cleaning polluted waters, conserving canal banks, and integrating waste management and drainage systems. The first phase of work covers 23.66 kilometres across six canals: Baunia Canal (7.19km), Rupnagar Canal (3.5km), Begunbari Canal (1.69km), and Karail Lake (2.45km). Manda Canal (4.37km) and Kalunagar Canal (4.46km). Subsequent phases will reclaim 13 additional canals, including Boalia, Dumni, Shyampur, and Satarkul. A contemporary had reported some time ago that 39 canals in and around Dhaka have totally disappeared. Those that are still alive are mostly in the grip of influential quarters. Besides, due to construction of roads and walkways on both sides of the canals, there is hardly any space left to maintain them to allow discharge of water. On the other hand, unplanned urbanisation has led to the building of box culverts over the canals, an act believed to be instrumental in killing the vital arteries of the capital. According to the Dhaka WASA, until 1985, the capital had 54 canals and most of those were interlinked making their ultimate journey towards the four rivers around the city. It is not at all difficult to detect how most of them got lost or buried and the nature of hindrance that rendered them so. All it takes, according to the experts, is political will - one that we happen to experience only occasionally. In fact, it doesn't require an expert to bring home the importance of canals in rescuing Dhaka from the dreadful water logging and a host of other attendant problems and public sufferings. However, help from the experts is necessary to identify the routes of the canals lost to human greed and misdeeds. Professor Ainun Nishat, noted environmentalist, in an interview with a local daily, commented that tracing the routes of the canals can easily be done from documents, including the length and breadth of each and every canal. The Dhaka district administration can play a lead role in this. Most of the canals are 'owned' by the district authority. The Dhaka WASA is in charge of maintaining about two dozens of canals, the remaining few are virtually 'orphans' with no single agency assigned to maintain them. Another renowned urban expert Professor Nazrul Islam commented that the only way we can hope to recover the lost canals and maintain those is through enacting a law. Experts emphasise that once the reclamation work is completed, a long-term maintenance and monitoring plan must be in place to prevent future encroachment and degradation. Local communities should be actively involved in keeping the canals clean and functional. Awareness campaigns, legal enforcement, and community participation should go hand in hand to make this initiative a lasting success. Without a structured maintenance strategy, Dhaka risks falling back into the same cycle of negligence and destruction, rendering the entire effort futile. Canals in many big cities are life-lines potentially capable of cleansing the cities from dirt and garbage in a natural way-- besides flashing out rain waters as well as containing flash floods to a great extent. In Thailand's capital Bangkok, canals crisscrossing the city are also a treat for the eyes. The clean flow of water, courtesy of painstaking maintenance, is a good enough respite for the city dwellers amid the city's din and bustle. In traffic-choked Dhaka, canals could also be an alternative mode of travel for commuters, provided such a scheme is well designed and strictly enforced. But before we indulge in such wishful daydreams, we must see the canals first.​

 

[Saif]

Country needs to brace for climate catastrophe

Bangladesh has to bear the brunt of awful climate impacts though its contribution to global warming is negligible, believed to be less than 0.47 per cent of global emission. The Bonn-based green organisation Germanwatch reaffirmed this phenomenon and focused on how climate change is likely to leave

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Country needs to brace for climate catastrophe
Sarker Nazrul Islam
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 22:39
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 22:39

Bangladesh has to bear the brunt of awful climate impacts though its contribution to global warming is negligible, believed to be less than 0.47 per cent of global emission. The Bonn-based green organisation Germanwatch reaffirmed this phenomenon and focused on how climate change is likely to leave disproportionate impact on countries like Bangladesh. It estimates that climate-induced disasters inflict a loss of $3.0 billion on this country annually and affect above 6.3 million of its people.

Because of its unique location and geophysical formation, Bangladesh is a disaste- prone deltaic plain, battered almost regularly by cyclones, floods, heat waves, erratic rainfall and drought that seriously hinder its development efforts. In recent years, these extreme climatic events are taking place in Bangladesh more frequently and with increased fierceness. Quoting Germanwatch, this newspaper reports that cyclones have assumed a more devastating proportion and are taking place recurrently in the Bay of Bengal under the impact of global warming. Bangladesh was devastated by some 49 cyclones since 1960 and was swept over by as many as five cyclones just in twelve months beginning from May 2023.

Scorching heat waves have become an almost common feature of the country's weather pattern during the summer months. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department, mercury rose to a record high of 43.8 degree Celsius in Jashore in April last year. The World Weather Attribution claims that climate change has made heat wave 30 times more likely, indicating a growing threat of compounding climate disasters.

Drought is increasingly becoming more and more damaging due to declining rainfall ? for example, 66 per cent in April, 44 per cent in May and as low as 16 per cent in June in 2023. But the most devastating impact of climate change on this low lying country is that some 17 per cent of the country's total area along the coastal belt is likely to be permanently submerged under seawater due to rise of the sea level by only one metre at the end of the century. This will lead to a complete destruction of the flora and fauna of the affected areas, forcing millions to migrate to other areas.

The combined effect of all these climate calamities will lead to a human catastrophe in this most densely populated country. Poverty of about 21 per cent of the population is a harsh reality, only to be aggravated by almost every disaster. Poverty scenario follows a cyclic pattern in this country due in part to climate catastrophe: as a section of the poor people somehow pulls itself out of poverty, another section slides down to it following a disaster. Climate catastrophes make poverty eradication a difficult task in this country.

Germanwatch underscores the need for urgent action as climate crisis is increasingly becoming a worldwide security risk with the intensification of global warming. It also called for increased climate finance for vulnerable countries to keep global warming near the set target of 1.5 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial level. Though some of the wealthy nations like Spain, Italy and Greece are exposed to Nature's fury, coastal countries such as Bangladesh are most vulnerable to it. Since these countries have to suffer the impact of global warming despite no or negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emission, they deserve due compensation from the worst polluters to tide over the crisis. Experts suggest, as the global climate change is taking place due to GHG emission by developed countries, they are obligated to provide for the loss-and-damage fund as adopted by the UN at the Dubai climate conference in 2023. Bangladesh must strive hard to get its legitimate share of the global climate fund and at the same time go on with its own mitigation and adaptation programme.​

 

[Saif]

Wealthy nations owe Bangladesh $5.8 trillion in climate debt

ActionAid says

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Wealthy nations owe Bangladesh $5.8 trillion in climate debt
ActionAid says

Bangladesh, a country grappling with an increasing external debt burden, is owed a staggering $5.8 trillion in climate debt by rich, high-polluting nations, according to a report by ActionAid released this month.

The report, titled "Who Owes Who?", highlights the urgent need for debt cancellation and global financial justice.

Based on historic and projected atmospheric appropriation using low-range estimates since 1992, wealthy nations owe Bangladesh $5.8 trillion in climate debt, the report said.

It also underscored the stark imbalance between the debts that low- and lower-middle-income countries owe and the obligations that high-income countries continue to evade.

The report said that as we enter 2025, 54 countries are in a debt crisis and are being forced to cut spending on basic public services and climate action in order to pay external debts.

Bangladesh, whose external public sector debt stood at $84.44 billion as of September 2024, made debt repayments totalling $4.77 billion to its creditors in 2023.

The country on the Bay of Bengal, one of the most vulnerable to climate change, has to divert its resources towards debt repayment rather than essential public services, while wealthier nations fail to meet their own financial obligations relating to climate justice and reparations.

In 2024, Bangladesh spent 16.9 per cent of its national revenue on external debt repayments, while only 3.08 per cent was allocated to health and 11.73 per cent to education.

"Bangladesh needs debt cancellation and freedom from colonial debt structures to address both the debt crisis and climate change," ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said.

The new report highlights the debt burden of low- and lower-middle-income countries versus the financial obligations of rich nations regarding climate damages, compensations, and unmet commitments, she added.

The Global South, which broadly represents countries mostly in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, must secure debt cancellation and push for the establishment of a new UN Framework Convention on debt this year.

She emphasised the impact of the climate crisis, especially on women and girls.

"We have seen time and again how women are at the forefront of the climate crisis. The failure by the rich polluting countries to pay their climate debt is standing in the way of mitigation and adaptation."

The ActionAid report said that lower-income countries collectively paid $138 billion just to service their debts last year, sacrificing health, education, people's rights, and sustainable national development to satisfy wealthy creditors.

It said that, based on the most systematic studies, the climate debt that rich polluting countries owe low- and lower-middle-income countries is $107 trillion.

This is more than 70 times greater than the total external debt of $1.45 trillion that these countries collectively owe.

The report urges global leaders to unite in demanding debt cancellation as part of payment of the climate debt and other reparations owed by high-income countries.

"As Bangladesh and other vulnerable nations continue to struggle under the weight of an unjust financial system, the findings of this report reinforce the need for urgent global action to address both debt injustice and the climate crisis."​

 

[Saif]

Global glacier melt is accelerating, scientists say

Ice loss from the world’s glaciers has accelerated over the past decade, scientists said on Wednesday, warning that melting may be faster than previously expected in the coming years and drive sea levels higher...

www.newagebd.net

Global glacier melt is accelerating, scientists say
Agence France-Presse . Paris 20 February, 2025, 22:58

AFP file photo

Ice loss from the world’s glaciers has accelerated over the past decade, scientists said on Wednesday, warning that melting may be faster than previously expected in the coming years and drive sea levels higher.

The world’s glaciers, which are important climate regulators and hold freshwater resources for billions, are rapidly melting as the world warms.

In a first-of-its-kind global assessment, an international team of researchers found a sharp increase in melting over the past decade, with around 36 per cent more ice lost in the 2012 to 2023 period than in the years from 2000 to 2011.

On average some 273 billion tonnes of ice are being lost per year — equivalent to the world population’s water consumption for 30 years, they said.

The findings are ‘shocking’ if not altogether surprising as global temperatures rise with humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions, said Michael Zemp, a professor at the University of Zurich, who was a co-author of the assessment published in the journal Nature.

Overall, researchers found that the world’s glaciers have lost around five per cent of their volume since the turn of the century, with wide regional differences ranging from a two-per cent loss in Antarctica to up to 40 per cent in the European Alps.

Zemp said that regions with smaller glaciers are losing them faster, and many ‘will not survive the present century’.

The research — coordinated by the World Glacier Monitoring Service, The University of Edinburgh and research group Earthwave — was an effort to bring together field and satellite measurements to create a ‘reference estimate’ for tracking ice loss.

Zemp, who leads the WGMS, said the team’s observations and recent modelling studies suggest that glacier melt this century will be faster than projected in the most recent assessment by United Nations IPCC climate experts.

‘Hence, we are facing higher sea-level rise until the end of this century than expected before,’ he said, adding that glacier loss would also impact fresh water supplies, particularly in central Asia and the central Andes.

Glaciers are the second-largest contributor to global sea-level rise — after the rise caused by the expansion of seawater as it warms.

The nearly two centimetres of sea level rise attributed to glacier melt since 2000 means almost four million more people on the world’s coasts made vulnerable to flooding, scientists have estimated.

So far smaller glaciers are the main contributors to sea level rise, but Martin Siegert, a Professor at the University of Exeter who was not involved in the study, said the research was ‘concerning’.

That is because it predicts further glacier losses and could indicate how Antarctica and Greenland’s vast ice sheets react to global warming.

‘Ice sheets are now losing mass at increasing rates — six times more than 30 years ago — and when they change, we stop talking centimetres and start talking metres,’ he said.

Glaciers have been a key bellwether for human-caused climate change for decades, with WGMS data going back more than a century.

In the 20th century, assessments were based on field measurements from some 500 glaciers—involving scientists digging a hole on the top to record the amount of fresh snow that year and then assessing ice amounts lost on the ‘tongue’ where the melting ice flows.

More recently, satellites have allowed scientists to better track changes across the world’s 2,75,000 glaciers — using cameras, radar, lasers and methods to assess the Earth’s mass.

In January, the United Nations said saving the world’s glaciers was an important ‘survival strategy’ for the planet.

To do that, ‘you have to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, it is as simple and as complicated as that,’ said Zemp.

‘Every tenth of a degree warming that we avoid saves us money, saves us lives, saves us problems.’​

 

[Saif]

Biodiversity starts thriving in St Martin’s island after tourism restrictions

With tourists barred from visiting the coral reef island Saint Martin’s on Bay of Bengal from 1 February, the island's deserted beaches are now teeming with snails and oysters. Green mangrove forest and Keya plant (Pandanus tectorius) are also emerging at Diyarmatha and Chheradia on the...

en.prothomalo.com

Biodiversity starts thriving in St Martin’s island after tourism restrictions
Abdul Kuddus
Cox’s Bazar
Published: 20 Feb 2025, 09: 21

Saint Martin Island Prothom Alo

With tourists barred from visiting the coral reef island, Saint Martin’s, on Bay of Bengal from 1 February, the island’s deserted beaches are now teeming with snails and oysters.

Green mangrove forest and Keya plant (Pandanus tectorius) are also emerging at Diyarmatha and Chheradia on the southern side of the island.

The 8-square kilometer Saint Martin’s is the only coral-reef island in the Bay of Bengal.

Located in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar, tourists used to be able to visit the island until 31 March in other years. However, the island was open for tourists until 31 January this year. While earlier 5,000 tourists would visit the island every day, only 2,000 tourists were allowed to visit it every day this season.

Various studies have shown that Saint Martin has 1,076 species of flora and fauna, including coral, algae, turtles, snails, oysters, marine fish, birds, mammals, and crabs.

The island’s sandbanks are also the nesting grounds for the Olive Ridley sea turtles, one the endangered species of sea turtles of the world.

However, the island has become endangered due to uncontrolled infrastructure building, influx of unchecked number of tourists and the consequential environmental pollution.

The Department of Environment (DoE) organised a two-day cleaning campaign across the island after the tourists were banned. The authorities used drones to identify and remove garbage on the island. Volunteers removed 930 kg of waste in the campaign.

Md Jamir Uddin, Deputy Director of the Cox’s Bazar office of the DoE, told Prothom Alo that a team from the department reached the island on 5 February, and identified the places where waste was lying through multiple drones.

The Department of Environment (DoE) observed a two-day cleaning campaign across the island after the tourists were banned. The authorities used drones to identify and remove garbage on the island. Volunteers removed 930 kg of waste in the two-day campaign
He said the removal of this waste began on 12 February. Nearly 90 per cent of the waste was chips packets, polythene and packets of biscuits. Earlier, plastic waste was removed from various areas including beaches in a joint initiative of a private organisation and the DoE.

The official of DoE added that as tourists were barred and movement of battery-run auto-rickshaw and motorcycle stopped, a layer of snails and oysters had already started to accumulate on at least a 7-8 kilometer stretch of the beach in the southeast and west of the island.

Snails and oysters prevent erosion of the beach and work as bulwark for sand dunes. Earlier, people used to collect snails and oyster from the beach and smuggle them to Myanmar. Furniture and garland are made from snails and oysters.

The DoE declared Saint Martin an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) back in 1999 to protect its biodiversity.

Lastly on 4 January 2023, according to the wildlife (conservation and security) act, the environment ministry declared 1,743 square kilometres of area in the Bay of Bengal adjoining Saint Martin’s island as a reserved area.

Earlier in 2016, ECA management rules were framed under the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act, 1995.

Nur Mohammad, 50, a local trader of Saint Martin said locals do not usually walk on beaches without any reason. They do not usually tread in Chheradia or Diarmatha area. But the tourists roam around the island in different vehicles.

The island has several kilometers of pucca road in the middle but going to Diyarmatha and Chheradia requires use of beaches. When vehicles ply on the beaches, various marine animals like snails, oysters and crabs get killed and biodiversity including corals and algae get destroyed.

He further said that many hotels, resorts and cottages have been built in ecologically critical and travel-prohibited areas, including Diyarmatha and Golachipa, on the island. Guests of these hotels have to travel via the beach.

According to him, as there are no tourists, marine life and biodiversity are being protected. Local people are fishing in the sea for a living, some are drying fish, while others are busy cultivating vegetables and watermelons.

Nazir Hossain, member of ward no. 9 of Saint Martin island, told Prothom Alo that green mangroves are growing in over one-acre beaches on the southern part, including Diyarmatha, of the island. The trees are growing fast. Locals are being monitored to ensure that they do not destroy the mangrove.

Saiful Islam, a resident of the southern part of the island, said the whirlwind created by the propellers of tourist ships used to make the blue water of the sea muddy. Water bottles, polythene, and packets of chips used to float in the sea water.

He pointed out that since the ship traffic has stopped, the sea water has now got back to its azure color. Plastic waste is no longer visible in the sea water.

DoE officials said a set of important decisions were taken in a meeting on 2 February to protect Saint Martin’s island. The garbage littered in the island was identified and removed as the first step.

As part of the next step, initiatives such as arranging drinkable water for the local people, preserving biodiversity, taking up power generation projects from waste and rehabilitating unemployed people will be taken, they added.

Abdur Rahim Jihadi, president of the Saint Martin Island Hotel Owners Association, told Prothom Alo that none of over 230 hotels, resorts, and cottages on the island have any environmental clearance.

Ibrahim Khalil, chief executive of the environmental organisation, Youth Environment Society (YES) in Cox’s Bazar, said that the island’s environment has improved by implementing the initiative to limit tourists for the first time. Due to strict monitoring during the travel period (December-January), coral was not collected from the sea.

He further stated that absence of tourists on the beach has created an environment for mother turtles to lay eggs. Red crabs, snails, and oysters have also been bred.​

 

[Saif]

How climate change drives social conflicts

The poor, particularly women and socially marginalised communities, are severely affected in all the climate hotspots.

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How climate change drives social conflicts

Indiscriminate shrimp farming has destructed local ecology, fresh water sources, and common property resources in the coastal villages of southwest Bangladesh, leading to social conflicts in the region. SOURCE: BCAS

The impacts of climate change are visible in all crucial aspects of life, be it agriculture and food security or access to healthcare and human potential to work. In vulnerable regions, climate change, which is rapid and forceful, is aggravating the existing social and economic problems such as extreme poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, social conflicts over resources, and gender inequity. The 2022 Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) asserted that climate change is pushing us into a high-risk-centred world, where the growing impacts of climate change are limiting the adaptive capacity of humans as well as the ecosystems.

The National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050) of Bangladesh has identified several climate-induced stresses that are affecting regions, people, their livelihoods, and ecosystems across the country. Traditional occupational groups such as small farmers, fishers, daily wage earners, and people dependent on natural resources are suffering the most. The poor, particularly women and socially marginalised communities, are severely affected in all the climate hotspots; they are highly exposed and sensitive to climate disasters like extreme heat stress during summer, frequent and devastating floods, cyclones, tidal surges, and landslides. They lack adaptive capacity in terms of awareness, motivation, disaster preparedness, and resources to address climate change impacts.

It is evident that many climate-vulnerable people in Bangladesh mainly depend on their wage earnings and livelihoods based on natural resources (such as subsistence agriculture, fishing, and horticulture), which are again very sensitive to climate change. Furthermore, natural resources like forests and wetlands are very often captured and controlled by local influential people. Thus, climate change is increasing deprivation and social conflicts in the existing social systems, where local government institutions are weak and biased towards the power elites. Recent studies suggest that all the climate hotspots in Bangladesh have high levels of poverty, livelihood insecurity, and gender inequity. Many of the poor, especially women, are forced to migrate to the cities in search of livelihood options, where they live in the slums and fringe areas, in degraded social and environmental conditions.

The NETZ Bangladesh, an international development agency, recently conducted an exploratory study to understand the physical causes—like climate-induced stresses—as well as social causes of vulnerability and gender inequity in three climate-affected regions: southwest coastal areas, northwest drought-prone areas, and north-central river basin. The study also explored the nature and types of social conflicts triggered and aggravated by climate change. The surveyed people (covering 400 respondents) in the three study areas agreed on the rise of social conflicts (63 percent) during and after a climate disaster. Social conflicts were found to occur the most in the coastal region (82 percent), compared to the high Barind (61 percent) and the river basin (49 percent) areas. Over 90 percent of the respondents in coastal villages said they frequently face conflicts over accessing fresh water for small agriculture, catching fish in the open water bodies, and accessing grazing lands.

The study findings also reveal that social conflicts increase due to frequent natural disasters, salinity intrusion, high tides (linked to sea level rise) and waterlogging in coastal villages. Conflicts are increasing while collecting drinking water from limited sources of water, as the demand for fresh water is on the rise in climate-affected localities. Public water distribution points (like piped water supply and rainwater harvesting systems) are inadequate compared to the growing needs of the vast number of poor people. The poor are not allowed to send their cattle on the grazing lands. Agricultural lands owned by marginal farmers are often converted into shrimp farms forcefully. These are the main sources of social conflicts in coastal villages. Local rich people and power elites very often win in the fight since they are well-connected to political parties and local government institutions (LGIs).

The existing conflict resolution mechanisms do not protect the interest and rights of poor women, ethnic groups, and marginalised people. There is an urgent need for strengthening alternative and transformative conflict resolution mechanisms, where civil society groups and local partners can play a significant role in empowering the poor, particularly women, to pursue social justice and gender equity. LGIs like union parishads and sectoral agencies in the upazilas should be made more accountable and responsible to the poor, women, and socially excluded groups.

Furthermore, gendered drivers, such as women's lack of mobility and participation, as well the patriarchal norms and values affect the decision-making power of women, girls, and socially disadvantaged groups. Hence, the social capitals of the poor and women, in terms of organisational capacity, cohesiveness and raising collective voice, should be advanced with institutional linkages for locally led solutions, conflict resolution, and climate-resilient livelihoods. LGIs, NGOs, and civil society should promote gender-responsive and pro-poor adaptation and social protection mechanisms for poor women and marginalised groups, which will build resilience of the vulnerable communities and empower them, in order to ensure gender equity as well as a peaceful and just society in the long run. These should be supported by rights-based organisations and their networks.

Dr Dwijen L Mallick is fellow at Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS).​

 

[Saif]

Climate refugees must be protected

A recent survey found that climate refugees are falling victim to modern slavery, both at home and abroad.

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Climate refugees must be protected
The government must effectively tackle slavery suffered by climate migrants

VISUAL: STAR

We are alarmed by the findings of a recent survey that reveal that climate refugees from vulnerable regions across the country are falling victim to various forms of modern slavery, both at home and abroad. The survey, conducted on 648 households across 33 climate-vulnerable villages in Sylhet and Pirojpur districts, found that 92 percent of the internal migrants face at least one type of modern slavery, while over 52 percent endure more than three types. The situation is even more severe for international migrants, with 99 percent experiencing at least one type of modern slavery and 81 percent enduring more than five types. Those surveyed reported experiencing wage withholding, restricted movement, abusive conditions, threats, intimidation, and even physical violence.

Over the last six decades, climate-related disasters have reportedly almost doubled in Bangladesh—from four per year before 1990 to seven per year after—significantly impacting agriculture and livelihoods. Cyclones, river erosion, and saltwater intrusion have forced many families to relocate. The most recent example of climate-related disasters is last year's devastating floods, which affected millions of people. As the government's efforts to rehabilitate them have been largely inadequate, migration has become a common livelihood strategy for them. Sadly, their desperate attempts to survive often lead them to further predicament.

In climate-vulnerable areas such as Pirojpur and Sylhet, the majority of residents report rising temperatures and worsening river erosion, which has led to a surge in both internal and international migration. Since 2011, approximately 84 percent of affected families have relocated to cities like Dhaka, Khulna, and Chattogram in search of work, often in exploitative industries. Additionally, 88 percent have sent their relatives abroad, mainly to Gulf countries, where they have to endure harsh working conditions. Another recent study found that migration driven by debt repayment further worsens the financial conditions of these migrants.

This situation must be handled with urgency. We urge the government to take immediate and effective measures to rehabilitate climate refugees and address the challenges posed by climate-related migration. It is crucial to identify vulnerable communities and implement targeted action plans, including comprehensive social protection programmes and job creation initiatives. Additionally, developing disaster-resilient infrastructure could provide significant support to those most affected by extreme weather events. Addressing the plight of our climate refugees should be a top priority for the government.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to renovate 19 canals to resolve water logging in Dhaka

A master plan will be made to renovate 19 canals for resolving waterlogging in Dhaka, environment and water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Sunday. This plan has been taken to resolve waterlogging in various areas of the metropolis, including Dhanmondi and Malibagh, she added. The a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt to renovate 19 canals to resolve water logging in Dhaka
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Feb 23, 2025 18:54
Updated :
Feb 23, 2025 18:54

A master plan will be made to renovate 19 canals for resolving waterlogging in Dhaka, environment and water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Sunday.

This plan has been taken to resolve waterlogging in various areas of the metropolis, including Dhanmondi and Malibagh, she added.

The adviser said that the work will be taken forward through a monthly action plan. To prevent pollution, owners of multi-story buildings will have to ensure their own sewage management. Canals will be restored, and more trees will be planted on the banks.

She said these while speaking as the chief guest at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Dhaka South City Corporation's Nagar Bhaban.

The meeting discussed waterlogging in the city, restoration of canals and water bodies, and eviction of illegal structures.

The environmental adviser said that in order to eliminate waterlogging, regular excavation and regular water flow measures should be taken along with a long-term plan.

For this, effective coordination and strict monitoring are required among the concerned agencies. The government is committed to keeping canals and water bodies free from encroachment and ensuring proper management, she added.

The meeting, chaired by Local Government Department Secretary Md Nizam Uddin, was attended by representatives of various ministries and agencies, including Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation Mohammad Ejaz, and Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation Md. Shahjahan Miah.

The meeting discussed in detail the ongoing and future plans to eliminate waterlogging in the city and decided to take immediate effective steps.​

 

[Saif]

Final notice issued to 2,046 factories: Operate ETPs or face action

The Department of Environment (DoE) has taken stringent measures to prevent pollution in the rivers surrounding Dhaka, including the Buriganga, Shitalakkhya, Turag, and Balu. A total of 2,046 industrial factories in Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Narsingdi have been served final notices, instruct

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Final notice issued to 2,046 factories: Operate ETPs or face action
UNB
Published :
Feb 24, 2025 23:01
Updated :
Feb 24, 2025 23:01

The Department of Environment (DoE) has taken stringent measures to prevent pollution in the rivers surrounding Dhaka, including the Buriganga, Shitalakkhya, Turag, and Balu.

A total of 2,046 industrial factories in Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Narsingdi have been served final notices, instructing them to keep their Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) operational at all times.

As per the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Amended 2010) and the Environment Conservation Rules, 2023, factories discharging liquid waste are legally required to operate ETPs and, in the case of sewage waste, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

But many factories either fail to install ETPs or do not run them continuously, discharging untreated waste into the rivers.

The notices were issued between 13 February and 22 February 2025, warning factory owners to ensure the uninterrupted operation of their ETPs and comply with environmental regulations.

Failure to adhere to these directives will result in strict legal actions, the DoE warned.​

 

[Saif]

HC orders dismantling of illegal brick kilns nationwide

The High Court has ordered the removal of all illegal brick kilns across the country in strict compliance with legal provisions and directed that a report be submitted to it by March 17. The order was issued on Monday by the High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

HC orders dismantling of illegal brick kilns nationwide
UNB
Published :
Feb 24, 2025 20:15
Updated :
Feb 24, 2025 20:15

The High Court has ordered the removal of all illegal brick kilns across the country in strict compliance with legal provisions and directed that a report be submitted to it by March 17.

The order was issued on Monday by the High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury after eight officials appeared before the court and submitted written explanations.

Additionally, the Director General of the Department of Environment, along with the Divisional Commissioners of Sylhet, Rajshahi, Barishal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh, have been summoned to explain their failure to take effective action against illegal brick kilns and the use of wood as fuel. They have been instructed to appear in person on March 17 to provide their explanations.

Senior lawyer Manzill Murshid represented the petitioner in the court hearing, while lawyer Fahima Nasrin Munni appeared for the Brick Kiln Owners' Association. Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque represented the state.

During the hearing, the High Court stated, “We must protect the country’s environment. Our normal lives are increasingly being disrupted. If environmental pollution continues at this rate, none of us will survive.”

Earlier on Monday morning, the Divisional Commissioners of Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, as well as the Deputy Commissioners of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officers of Savar and Dhamrai, appeared before the court in response to a summons regarding the failure to take effective measures against illegal brick kilns. They submitted their written explanations before the court.

Those who have provided written explanations have been exempted from personal appearances, but they have been directed to submit a complete report by March 17.​

 

[Saif]

CORPORATE CLIMATE ACTION: Solution or illusion?

IN THE fight against climate change, corporations are no longer bystanders but major players — with their actions determining the fate of our planet. With their expansive operations and influence, multinational giants exert unparalleled power to shape the planet’s future. While their ambitious...

www.newagebd.net

CORPORATE CLIMATE ACTION: Solution or illusion?
Md Zahurul Al Mamun 26 February, 2025, 00:00

IN THE fight against climate change, corporations are no longer bystanders but major players — with their actions determining the fate of our planet. With their expansive operations and influence, multinational giants exert unparalleled power to shape the planet’s future. While their ambitious net-zero pledges and glossy sustainability reports paint an optimistic picture, the reality on the ground often tells a different story. For companies like Unilever and Coca-Cola, which are celebrated as leaders in corporate sustainability, their efforts frequently exacerbate existing global inequalities, shifting the burden of climate action onto vulnerable nations like Bangladesh. This dynamic, often described as environmental colonialism, raises a critical question: Are we witnessing genuine sustainability efforts, or is this another chapter of corporate greenwashing — one that demands immediate accountability?

Unilever: sustainability or greenwashing?

Unilever, a consumer goods giant with a significant presence in Bangladesh, has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2039 and reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Initiatives such as the Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) and a €1 billion investment in the Climate & Nature Fund reflect its commitment to deforestation-free supply chains and sustainable farming practices. However, while the headlines are grand, the ground reality is far more nuanced.

Unilever sources tea and other agricultural products from Bangladesh, often through complex networks of smallholder farmers. While promoting ‘sustainable sourcing’ on a global scale, the company’s practices in Bangladesh have been criticised for placing the burden of meeting sustainability standards disproportionately on these farmers, who often lack the resources and technical support to implement the required changes. This raises a fundamental question: can a profit-driven multinational achieve true sustainability without exacerbating existing inequalities?

Unilever’s operations in Bangladesh have also exacerbated the country’s mounting plastic waste crisis. Bangladesh generates over 800,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually, of which only 31 per cent is recycled. A significant portion of this waste consists of single-use packaging associated with FMCG—a category dominated by Unilever. While Unilever has launched recycling initiatives, these programs remain limited in scale and effectiveness. In a nation with inadequate waste management infrastructure, much of this plastic packaging associated with Unilever’s products ends up in landfills, waterways, and drainage systems, worsening environmental pollution and public health risks.

Unilever’s sustainability narrative has not gone unchallenged. In 2021, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation into the environmental claims of several multinational corporations, including Unilever, questioning whether their marketing practices were misleading consumers about the true environmental impact of their products. Critics argue that while Unilever emphasises ambitious global targets, these often obscure the local realities of its operations, where the environmental and social costs of sustainability efforts fall disproportionately on marginalised communities. These concerns highlight a broader doubt about corporate transparency in sustainability efforts.

Coca-Cola: a plastic paradox

THE greenwashing is even more pronounced in the case of Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company. Coca-Cola has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce absolute GHG emissions by 25 per cent by 2030. It has also committed to using 100 per cent renewable electricity and incorporating at least 50 per cent recycled content in its packaging by 2030. While Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainability is grand, on-the-ground realities paint a starkly different picture.

In Bangladesh, where single-use plastics are a growing environmental crisis due to inadequate waste collection and recycling infrastructure, Coca-Cola’s high volume of single-use plastic bottles exacerbates the problem. According to the Environment and Social Development Organisation’s Brand Audit 2022, Coca-Cola has been the leading contributor to single-use plastic pollution in Bangladesh for the fifth consecutive year, accounting for 20.78 per cent of the total plastic waste collected during the audit. This overwhelming waste clogs drainage systems exacerbate flooding during monsoons, pollute rivers and canals, and wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems, creating severe environmental and public health challenges.

In response to mounting criticism, Coca-Cola has piloted recycling projects in Bangladesh, partnering with SR Asia and Cordaid Bangladesh to collect and recycle PET bottles in collaboration with Dhaka South and North City Corporations. However, these efforts only address a fraction of the plastic waste Coca-Cola generates annually. Furthermore, the focus on recycling shifts responsibility from the producer to the consumer, perpetuating what researchers call the ‘plastic paradox.’ And a more alarming fact: in December 2024, Coca-Cola dropped its reuse targets and reduced its plastic recycling goals, further undermining its global sustainability commitments. So, the question remains: how can a company whose business model is predicated on high-volume plastic consumption genuinely contribute to a sustainable future, especially in countries with limited waste management capacity?

Coca-Cola’s global credibility has also been challenged. In 2021, a lawsuit filed in Washington DC accused the company of misleading consumers about the recyclability of its plastic bottles, exposing inconsistencies between its sustainability claims and actual practices. These allegations have widened the credibility gap and highlighted the systemic challenges of aligning high-consumption business models with true sustainability. The plastic paradox — the tension between high-consumption models and sustainability goals—remains unresolved.

Environmental colonialism

ONE of the most troubling aspects of corporate climate action is the outsourcing of environmental costs to developing nations. As companies in the Global North race to achieve net-zero emissions, the environmental and economic burdens of these goals are often passed down to the Global South. This dynamic incarnates modern environmental colonialism, where wealthy nations and corporations exploit the resources of poorer countries and reap the benefits of a ‘green’ image while leaving them to bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

For Bangladesh, this reality is already unfolding. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Bangladesh faces devastating climate impacts, compounded by the inequities embedded in corporate sustainability practices. Achieving its ambitious climate goals under the Paris Agreement requires substantial financial and technical support, which domestic resources alone cannot provide. If multinational corporations truly seek to support Bangladesh’s climate resilience, they must move beyond superficial commitments. Long-term partnerships rooted in local knowledge and capacity building are essential to ensure that corporate initiatives lead to meaningful change rather than perpetuating existing inequalities.

Solution or illusion?

THE climate crisis demands transformative corporate action, not superficial pledges or public relations exercises. Multinational corporations have the power to drive meaningful change, but only if they confront the systemic injustices embedded in their supply chains and business models. Addressing the climate crisis is not just about reducing emissions or recycling a few bottles — it requires dismantling the structures that allow wealthy nations and corporations to benefit at the expense of vulnerable communities in the Global South.

Corporate climate action must be held to account for its full spectrum of environmental and social impacts. Transparency, accountability, and equitable partnerships are non-negotiable. Anything less is not just inadequate — it is a betrayal of the very principles of sustainability and justice.

Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a climate change researcher and analyst.​

 

[Saif]

Honking a major concern on country's campuses: Rizwana

Sound pollution caused by excessive honking is a major issue on the country's university campuses, said Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today

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Honking a major concern on country's campuses: Rizwana

Photo: Collected

Sound pollution caused by excessive honking is a major issue on the country's university campuses, said Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today.

The adviser made the remark during the inauguration ceremony of the "Chattogram Research and Innovation Fair 2025 on Chittagong University campus. Jamal Nazrul Islam Research Center for Mathematics and Physical Sciences organised the event.

"Many people in the country are unaware that honking is both harmful to human health and illegal. Some intentionally use horns excessively. If awareness can be spread among the public, it may help reduce sound pollution," she said.

Highlighting the contribution of country's farmers, Rizwana pointed out that research isn't limited to teachers.

Many farmers in Bangladesh are also engaged in research and have already developed new varieties using traditional methods, she said.

She emphasised that the most crucial aspect of research is objectivity. If research is conducted within a government institution, the results should not be manipulated to fit the institution's preferences.

The research fair saw participation from over 100 schools, colleges, and university departments, along with research laboratories and institutes from within and beyond the Chattogram Division.

More than 190 stalls showcased research works and contributions from the past year.

CU Vice-Chancellor DR Muhammad Yeahia Akhter stressed on the importance of reforming the education systems, saying neglecting this sector is not an option as it is considered as the backbone of a nation.

The VC urged the government to take steps -- whether by forming a commission or through other means -- to make education student-friendly and research-oriented.

CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Kamal Uddin, Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr Al-Amin, Dr Yasser Khan, a google award-winning researcher and teacher of the University of Southern California, were present at the event.​

 

[Saif]

CO2 mineralisation can help curb pollution in Bangladesh

Integrating CO2 mineralisation into its industrial zones could unlock both environmental and financial rewards for the country.

www.thedailystar.net

CO2 mineralisation can help curb pollution in Bangladesh

Once a vital lifeline for Dhaka, the Buriganga River now faces severe pollution from chemical waste, medical disposal, and plastic debris. FILE PHOTO: STAR

Bangladesh's industrial boom has propelled economic growth, but at what cost? Rivers that once sustained communities, such as the Buriganga and Shitalakkhya, are now some of the most polluted in the country. Industrial waste, textile dye effluents, heavy metals, and untreated sewage have turned these rivers into toxic cesspools, posing serious threats to public health and biodiversity. The Buriganga alone absorbs 21,600 cubic metres of toxic waste daily, mainly from tanneries, textile mills, and chemical factories, according to a study presented at the IICSD conference in 2015. With no robust wastewater treatment infrastructure, the challenge of industrial pollution looms large. However, an emerging technology called CO2 mineralisation offers a game-changing solution that not only captures industrial CO2 emissions but also neutralises harmful contaminants before they reach our lives.

CO2 mineralisation is a form of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) that converts captured CO2 into stable carbonates through reactions with alkaline industrial byproducts like cement kiln dust, steel slag, and fly ash. This process permanently stores CO2 in solid form, preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere, while also neutralising harmful contaminants in industrial wastewater. The result is a dual benefit: reducing emissions and mitigating water pollution.

Globally, companies like Holcim, CarbonCure, and Carbon Clean are pioneering large-scale CO2 mineralisation projects. These initiatives have demonstrated that the technology is not only effective, but also economically viable. Bangladesh has already explored carbon credit markets, selling 2.53 million carbon credits worth $16.25 million since 2006. Integrating CO2 mineralisation into its industrial zones could unlock both environmental and financial rewards for the country.

The textile and tannery industries, which drive much of Bangladesh's economy, are also among the biggest sources of pollution. In areas like Hazaribagh and Savar in Dhaka, leather processing releases highly toxic substances, including chromium, sulphides, and acids, directly into the Buriganga River. CO2 mineralisation can neutralise these hazardous chemicals by introducing CO2-reactive alkaline materials that convert them into non-leachable, harmless compounds, preventing further contamination. A similar approach can be applied to wastewater from textile dyeing, which is often laden with sulphates, phosphates, and heavy metals. Through CO2-induced precipitation, these toxic substances can be removed before they are discharged, significantly reducing water pollution. This aligns with successful global initiatives like CarbonCure's concrete technology, which injects CO2 into concrete mixtures to enhance durability while reducing emissions.

CO2 mineralisation not only cleans wastewater but also repurposes industrial waste into valuable materials. Bangladesh's cement and steel factories generate large amounts of slag, fly ash, and kiln dust, all of which can store CO2 permanently. Instead of accumulating hazardous waste, these materials can be converted into carbonate-rich products, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. This approach is used in Canada, where captured CO2 is infused into concrete, strengthening the materials while permanently sequestering carbon. Adopting this method in Bangladesh could significantly reduce the cement industry's carbon footprint and address the country's growing industrial waste problem.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding CO2 mineralisation is its high initial cost. However, Bangladesh can offset these costs by leveraging its carbon credit market, which has already shown success in renewable energy projects. Incorporating CO2 mineralisation into its industries could generate millions of dollars annually from carbon offset sales under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Additionally, international climate finance, including grants from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and loans from the World Bank, could provide the funding necessary for pilot projects and full-scale implementation. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could also facilitate financing the transition. Beyond financial incentives, repurposing industrial byproducts into construction-grade materials could create new revenue streams for businesses, reduce dependency on imported building materials, and promote sustainable infrastructure development.

The environmental and social benefits of CO2 mineralisation are equally compelling. Restoring cleaner rivers would improve public health by reducing exposure to toxic pollutants. Fishermen, farmers, and communities that rely on these waterways would regain access to cleaner water sources, improving livelihoods. The reduced carbon footprint of major industries would contribute to Bangladesh's climate commitments, helping the country emerge as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Unfortunately, despite its enormous potential, CO2 mineralisation in Bangladesh faces several obstacles. The high initial investment required for implementation, coupled with a lack of supportive policy frameworks, hinders its adoption. Additionally, many industries remain unaware of the economic and environmental benefits of this technology, creating a gap in awareness and willingness to invest. However, the landscape is shifting. The Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) and international initiatives like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) are potential sources of financing that could help bridge the cost gap. Furthermore, the growing global interest in carbon trading markets could provide the financial incentives needed to encourage industries to integrate CO2 mineralisation into their waste management strategies. Countries like Norway and the Netherlands have already established carbon trading programmes, proving that emissions reductions can be monetised. If Bangladesh follows a similar path, it could turn CO2 reduction into an economic asset while simultaneously improving its environmental footprint.

Bangladesh's industrial success does not have to come at the expense of environmental health. CO2 mineralisation offers a revolutionary approach to transform pollution into progress, providing a pathway to cleaner rivers, reduced carbon emissions, and new economic opportunities. Technology exists and funding mechanisms are within reach. The only question that remains is: how soon will Bangladesh take action?

Akash Talapatra is a PhD student at Virginia Tech in Virginia, US.​

 

[Saif]

Protecting arable lands in a land-scarce country

In a land-scarce country like Bangladesh, the steady loss of arable land remains a pressing concern, often posing significant challenges to achieving various developmental goals. A key issue is the uncertainty surrounding the actual rate at which agricultural land is diminishing. Conflicting report

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Protecting arable lands in a land-scarce country
Wasi Ahmed
Published :
Mar 04, 2025 23:04
Updated :
Mar 04, 2025 23:04

In a land-scarce country like Bangladesh, the steady loss of arable land remains a pressing concern, often posing significant challenges to achieving various developmental goals. A key issue is the uncertainty surrounding the actual rate at which agricultural land is diminishing. Conflicting reports and, at times, exaggerated estimates create confusion, making it difficult to ascertain fundamental details-such as the precise extent of land currently under cultivation, the portion allocated for industrial use, and the areas absorbed by expanding human settlements.

Such information is indispensable for policymakers and urban planners, enabling them to make informed decisions on a range of issues, many of which extend beyond agriculture and food production. Effective land-use planning is essential not only for ensuring food security but also for maintaining ecological balance, optimising industrial expansion and addressing the housing needs of a growing population. Therefore, establishing a comprehensive and transparent land monitoring system-leveraging modern technology such as satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital land registries-is imperative. Only with accurate, up-to-date information can the nation strike a sustainable balance between development imperatives and the protection of its vital agricultural resources.

Studies conducted in the past revealed that the country was losing around 1.0 per cent of its agricultural land annually. According to an agricultural census conducted in 1983-84, the country's total agricultural land was estimated at 9.2 million hectares. A subsequent study done in 1996 showed a considerable decrease in farm lands amounting to 8.2 million hectares. This went to show the annual loss at 1.0 per cent. But findings of a study conducted few years ago by the country's lead NGO BRAC revealed a somewhat relieving picture. Between 1983 and 2008, the study says, decrease in cultivable land was to the tune of an annual rate of 0.3 per cent. A subsequent study showed the annual rate of decrease at 0.4 per cent between 2010 to 2020.

While a database of the size of agricultural lands is crucial, there is also the need for accurate data about the reclaimed lands that the government has been announcing for some time now but not providing precise information as to their size.

In recent times there is an apparent note of complacency due to bumper harvests of paddy, but the matter of food security, anticipated as a result of increased production of the staple food, does not seem to hold ground as decrease in farm lands is accompanied by a considerable decrease in the number of rural population engaged in agro profession.

Now, while credible data is important, equally important it is to know the reasons behind the losses. The reasons are not many, but how these impact the loss and the measures needed to check are matters that require urgent attention from the concerned quarters. Offsetting the losses, to the maximum extent possible, through adoption of a combination of policies and actions could be the right way to address the situation.

It is quite clear that at the root of the loss, the number one factor is the increased demand for land as a result of an increasing population. More and more lands are required for raising homesteads, and the requirement is met mostly by agricultural lands. As per 2001 population census, the total number of homesteads in the country was 24.85 million which rose to 28.66 million as per 2018 agricultural census - at a growth rate of more than 15 per cent.

Similar is the case with the requirements of roads that come with increased population and decrease in agricultural lands. Coupled with it is the recurrence of river erosion that takes its toll on farm lands. As per estimates of the Centre for Geographic Information Services (CGIS), river erosion costs 1,600 hectares of agricultural land every year. Besides these, the menace of brick fields coming up mostly on farm lands has been a cause for serious concern for quite some time.

Looking at the overall picture, it appears that loss of farm lands could have been partly protected had there been a legal bar on the use of agricultural lands for purposes other than cultivation. Opinions expressed many a time by concerned quarters in the past to bring some legal instrument in force so that agricultural lands could be protected have gone unheeded.

While the loss of farm land is an issue of serious magnitude, there is also the need to examine a number of allied matters that need important findings by way of intensive research. For example, the need to examine economic returns of farm lands being used for non-agricultural purposes is one such. There is thus the need for research not just to update the available farm lands including those being reportedly reclaimed, but also to disseminate findings on a host of inter-related matters to facilitate macro planning.

It is here that the need for a comprehensive master plan becomes crucial-one that can identify the problems and suggest measures to address them as well as find ways to utilise arable lands in the most efficient manner.​

 

[Saif]

Elephant trapped in mud rescued after 22 hours

The rescue operation, which took place around 5:00pm yesterday, was conducted by the Forest Department with the help of around 35 villagers

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Elephant trapped in mud rescued after 22 hours

Photo: Collected

An elephant that got stuck in the mud in the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary in Banshkhali upazila was rescued after 22 hours.

The rescue operation, which took place around 5:00pm yesterday, was conducted by the Forest Department with the help of around 35 villagers.

Anisuzzaman Sheikh, ranger of the Jaldee Range of the Forest Department, told The Daily Star that they were informed about the trapped elephant around 7:00pm on Wednesday.

"We began rescue operations around 8:00am today [Thursday]," he said.

The female elephant is around 40 years old.

Anisuzzaman said after the rescue, the elephant was given saline water to help rehydrate.

"We have requested veterinarians from the Dulahazara Safari Park to treat the elephant," he added.​

 

[Saif]

No alternative to restore Dhaka canals: Rizwana

She said this while visiting Baunia canal at Mirpur and Khidir canal at Uttara.

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No alternative to restore Dhaka canals: Rizwana

Photo: Helemul Alam

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said there is no alternative to excavating the canals to solve Dhaka's waterlogging issues and restoration of water flow in the canals is a must.

During a visit in Baunia canal at Mirpur and Khidir canal at Uttara, she said that preserving these canals is essential to maintaining the city's biodiversity.

She also said, "Dhaka North City Corporation has already begun excavating six canals, and by the end of this year, a total of 19 canals will be restored. This initiative will not only prevent flooding but also help replenish the groundwater level."

DNCC administrator Mohammad Azaz said, "We have taken initiatives to recover and excavate canals, alongside eviction drives to remove illegal encroachments. The progress of these development activities is already visible. Additionally, to prevent water pollution, we are working to disconnect untreated sewage lines from buildings."

He said they have met leaders from Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara societies, instructing them to install ETPs (Effluent Treatment Plants) in every building within a short timeframe.

Meanwhile, DNCC and DSCC have launched a restoration programme for 19 canals. The first phase, which started on February 2 involves restoring six canals -- four in DNCC (Baunia, Karail, Rupnagar, and Begunbari) and two in DSCC (Manda and Kalunagar).

The programme includes boundary demarcation, canal cleaning, bank protection, and the development of a blue network to enhance water flow and connectivity across the city.​