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

[Saif]

How environment friendly is the new ‘eco-friendly’ plastic bags in the market?

Recently introduced to the market, these biodegradable plastic or polythene bags claim to be eco-friendly and less harmful than traditional polythene.

en.prothomalo.com

How environment friendly is the new ‘eco-friendly’ plastic bags in the market?
Naznin AkhterDhaka
Updated: 10 Apr 2025, 19: 28

The biodegradable polythene bag used at super shop “Swapno” located in the Bashundhara residential area of Dhaka. Prothom Alo

It looks similar to polythene bags but clearly marked as ‘I am not plastic’. Beneath the main message, the text reads- “100 per cent biodegradable, made from plants, made in Bangladesh”.

These white bags were seen in use by customers returning home from the supermarket “Shwapno” located in the Bashundhara residential area of Dhaka ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

Recently introduced to the market, these biodegradable plastic or polythene bags claim to be eco-friendly and less harmful than traditional polythene.

The biodegradable plastic bag supplier to Shwapno is Ecospear Private Company Limited. The company has stated that their bags are both biodegradable and compostable, capable of breaking down into soil-enhancing compost.

Their product has reportedly passed the environmental safety tests conducted by the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). Additionally, it confronts to the voluntary EN 13432 of the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).

However, environmental organisations argue that these bags are still harmful to both the environment and public health. They urge the government to take measures against them. On 15 September last year, environmental organisations met with Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the interim government’s environment, forest and climate change and the water resources ministries, demanding a ban not only on traditional polythene bags but also on biodegradable plastic bags.

The bags are marked as "I am not plastic. 100 per cent biodegradable, made from plants, made in Bangladesh."Courtesy of Ecospear

What is biodegradable?

Conventional plastics do not easily degrade and persist in soil and water for hundreds of years, eventually breaking down into microplastics and nanoplastics. As a solution, biodegradable plastics have been developed. These incorporate specific chemicals alongside natural ingredients such as wheat, corn and cassava starch.

Starting of the usage of the bag

Ecospear Private Limited operates factories in Dhaka’s Diabari and Halishahar, Chattogram. Managing Director Rayhan-ul-Islam told Prothom Alo that their bags are manufactured using German technology and are both biodegradable and compostable, disintegrating into compost within 147 days.

He further noted that he initiated efforts to introduce biodegradable plastic in Bangladesh in 2016 and the product later passed BCSIR’s testing.

In August of the previous year, an agreement was made with Shwapno. However, following the July uprising and the fall of the Awami League government, the project saw a temporary halt.

Just before Eid-ul-Fitr, Shwapno purchased 12 tonnes of bags for distribution across their Dhaka outlets. Since 7 April, these bags have also been available in Shwapno outlets in Chattogram. Agreements with other retailers such as Meena Bazar and the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) are currently underway.

EcoSphere is producing four types of bags suitable for carrying products ranging from one to five kilograms. For items like fish and meat, it offers four types of bags without handles, priced between Tk 1.5 to Tk 4.5, while for other products, it sells four types of bags with handles, ranging from Tk 2.5 to Tk 11.

Items are being packed in these bags. Courtesy of Ecospear

Objections of the environmentalists

Shahriar Hossain, secretary general of the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), the organisation working on environmental issues, told Prothom Alo that what is being referred to as biodegradable plastic is baseless. This plastic does not degrade (break down into smaller particles) or decompose in any way. Biodegradable plastics contain special types of chemicals (ranging from 18 to 22 types) of which 12 are toxic.

Additionally, they include some natural components. These two elements may be present 50 per cent each. It has been observed that the natural part of the biodegradable plastic bag’s composition or the 50 per cent decomposes. However, the remaining 50 per cent, which contains polymers, does not degrade. Overtime, it breaks into smaller pieces and becomes microplastics and nanoplastics. Plastics never become compostable.

Shahriar Hossain further stated that, this is harmful to the environment; on the other hand, it blends into the soil and water and enters the food chain. Through plants and animals, these harmful substances enter the human body, obstructing blood circulation. This increases the risk of heart disease, damages the stomach and raises the risk of colon cancer.

Additionally, it can enter the body through inhalation from the air and damage the lungs. Therefore, the notion that replacing plastic with biodegradable plastic can protect the environment is a misconception. It cannot be a viable solution. He called upon the government to ban the use of biodegradable plastic bags.

When the issue of customer dissatisfaction regarding the carrying of wet goods without bags was raised, Shahriar Hossain responded that prior to the introduction of polythene bags, there were traditional methods of transporting items such as fish and meat and those practices need to be revived.

Wrapping wet items in newsprint allows the paper to absorb the moisture. In countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and certain parts of India, fish and meat are wrapped in banana leaves and other large leaves and then placed in paper bags for carrying. Paper bags are reusable.

On anonymity condition, a scientific officer from the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) told Prothom Alo on Tuesday that, “The sample of biodegradable plastic bag submitted for testing by the company (Ecospear) was found to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly. That was back in 2018. BCSIR is a research institution and as such, it does not have the authority to grant market approval for any product.”

Meanwhile, officials from BSTI stated that a committee titled ‘Rubber and Plastic’ exists under BCSIR. In 2004, this committee adopted the European standard EN 13432 for biodegradable plastic bags as the national standard of Bangladesh.

When the European standard was subsequently updated, the committee revised the national standard in 2020 accordingly. Under the BDS EN 13432:2020 standard, biodegradable plastic products must pass four tests- biodegradability, disintegration during biological treatment, effect on the biological treatment process and effect on the quality of the resulting compost.

BSTI officials further stated that although some companies in the country have applied to BSTI for approval of biodegradable plastic bags, they have not been able to meet all the required conditions and thus failed to pass. Moreover, obtaining a BSTI licence is not mandatory for biodegradable plastic products.

Therefore, companies such as Ecospear, which are marketing bags for carrying goods, are not required to obtain BSTI approval or a licence for those products. Ecospear complies with the BSTI EN-13432 standard (a voluntary standard). As such, according to the law, there is no restriction on them marketing their products.

What does the law state?

According to Section 6(a) of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2002, the production, import and marketing of polythene bags are punishable by a maximum of ten years of rigorous imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 1 million, or both. Furthermore, under Section 6(b), the sale, display for sale, storage and distribution of polythene bags is punishable by a maximum of six months' imprisonment or a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both.

Biodegradable plastic bags entered the market well after the enactment of this law.

When asked how a ban on such bags could be enforced under existing legislation, Shahriar Hossain said, “We have informed the government that polythene bags were banned because they are single-use and harmful to both the environment and public health. For the same reasons, biodegradable plastic should also be subject to prohibition.”

When asked about the objections raised by environmentalists, Raihan-ul-Islam, Managing Director of Ecospear stated, “Biodegradable bags are used in two sectors - industrial and household. We are producing bags suitable for household use. Regular plastic takes more than 200 years to decompose. BCSIR conducted tests and found that our bag is decomposed within 147 days. It is entirely environmentally friendly. We are exporting this bag to Germany and North America.”

Raihan-ul-Islam further added, “Paper bags are made by cutting down trees. Is that environmental friendly? Environmentalists often cite over a hundred research papers against biodegradable plastic. However, there are also 150 research papers in favour of it.”

When contacted, Kazi Sumon, Senior Chemist (Chemical and Waste Management) at the Department of Environment told Prothom Alo that without comprehensive testing, it cannot be definitively stated whether biodegradable plastic bags are environmentally friendly.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to adopt localised solutions for sustainable waste management: Rizwana

She said, "The government is eager to adopt sustainable models, but they must be safe, inclusive, and locally relevant."

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Govt to adopt localised solutions for sustainable waste management: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan joined a meeting with a high-level Japanese environmental expert delegation at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka today. Photo: PID

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stressed the urgent need for localised waste solutions, proper segregation, and recycling to address Bangladesh's growing pollution challenges.

"Segregation, recycling, and composting must be prioritised before exploring waste-to-energy options," she said, emphasising that environmentally sound technologies must guide future waste management strategies.

She added, "The government is eager to adopt sustainable models, but they must be safe, inclusive, and locally relevant."

Her remarks came during a meeting today with a high-level Japanese environmental expert team led by Yoneda Johichiro, representative director of Chikyu Network Cooperative, held at the Pani Bhaban in Dhaka's Panthapath.

The meeting focused on exploring collaborative efforts in controlling pollution and sustainable waste management.

Highlighting Japan's global reputation for environmental excellence, the adviser welcomed knowledge-sharing and future cooperation.

"We are keen to learn how Japan keeps its environment clean and how you manage waste efficiently," she added.

"Your experience with waste-to-energy solutions is also of interest, though we must remain cautious about their environmental impact," she also said.

Rizwana also pointed out the importance of public trust in environmental initiatives.

"Many people are skeptical of government-led projects due to past shortcomings. Therefore, your proposals must prioritise transparency, an effective collection system, and strong community engagement."

The Japanese delegation expressed a strong interest in working with Bangladesh on pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and modern waste management. Both parties agreed to explore technical cooperation in the near future.​

 

[Saif]

Towards a carbon credit market in Bangladesh

As Bangladesh strives to balance economic growth with environmental protection, its manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment. Industries that were once major sources of pollution, such as steel manufacturing, are now exploring new ways to reduce their environmental impact. One of the most prom

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Towards a carbon credit market in Bangladesh
M Abu Eusuf
Published :
Apr 16, 2025 23:39
Updated :
Apr 16, 2025 23:39

As Bangladesh strives to balance economic growth with environmental protection, its manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment. Industries that were once major sources of pollution, such as steel manufacturing, are now exploring new ways to reduce their environmental impact. One of the most promising solutions is the use of carbon credits, which could not only help industries become more sustainable but also open up new financial opportunities that could transform the country's industrial sector.

Carbon credits are a financial tool that allows industries to offset their carbon emissions. In simple terms, for every ton of CO? an industry emits, it can invest in projects that reduce or prevent the release of the same amount of carbon, such as cleaner energy sources. By adopting renewable energy options like solar power, industries can reduce their carbon footprint and generate carbon credits, which they can then sell or trade.

In addition to reducing operating costs, companies that adopt renewable energy can also sell their surplus carbon credits in international markets. This creates a new revenue stream that can help businesses offset the costs of transitioning to cleaner technologies. For industries traditionally dependent on fossil fuels, this transition is not only environmentally responsible but financially advantageous.

Beyond the financial gains, embracing carbon credits can also improve a company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile. As global investors increasingly prioritise sustainability, Bangladeshi companies that invest in reducing their carbon footprint are likely to attract more foreign investment and strategic partnerships. This could further fuel the growth of industries and the wider economy.

For Bangladesh, a country committed to reducing its carbon emissions as part of the Paris Agreement, carbon credit trading is a crucial step. Many energy-intensive industries, such as steel, cement, and textiles, have historically relied on fossil fuels. However, by investing in solar power, these industries can cut down their emissions and create an additional revenue stream by selling excess energy or carbon credits.

One example is GPH Ispat, a major steel manufacturer in Bangladesh. By integrating solar power into its operations, GPH has reduced emissions. However, to materialise the benefits in the form of carbon credit trading, a proper carbon credit market needs to exist in the first place.

While solar energy is an element of decarbonisation efforts, new technologies such as the Quantum Electric Arc Furnace offer even greater potential. These next-generation furnaces are designed to be more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions. However, their usability in the Bangladesh context needs to be properly analysed.

To establish a carbon credit market in Bangladesh, several prerequisites must be met. First, an appropriate regulatory framework is essential to define carbon credit standards, verification mechanisms, and compliance rules. Second, a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification system is needed to ensure transparency and credibility. Third, institutional capacity must be developed to manage and facilitate carbon credit transactions. Fourth, a digital trading platform should be introduced to streamline buying and selling. In addition, financial incentives and policy support are crucial to encourage industry participation. Finally, public-private partnerships can drive investment and innovation, making carbon trading viable and effective.

Embracing carbon credit trading is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic economic opportunity. By leveraging this mechanism, Bangladesh can enhance its global competitiveness, attract green investments, and drive sustainable industrial growth.

The writer is professor at the Department of Development Studies and director at the Centre on Budget and Policy, University of Dhaka. He is also the executive director of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID).​

 

[Saif]

DISASTERS IN COASTAL AREAS: Engaging youth in risk reduction

YOUNG people represent one of the most powerful driving forces for positive transformation across societies. Globally, there are now 1.2 billion individuals aged between 15 and 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the total population. In Bangladesh...

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DISASTERS IN COASTAL AREAS: Engaging youth in risk reduction
by Mohammed Mamun Rashid and Farzana Ferdous 19 April, 2025, 00:00

YOUNG people represent one of the most powerful driving forces for positive transformation across societies. Globally, there are now 1.2 billion individuals aged between 15 and 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the total population. In Bangladesh, the National Youth Policy 2017 defines ‘youth’ as individuals between aged between 18 and 35 years. Although the youth population contributes significantly to socio-economic and political advancement, this potential can only be harnessed if it is constructively directed. The Labour Force Survey 2022 underscores productive and decent work as the most important pathway to poverty alleviation. However, a pressing concern lies in the staggering figure of 9.65 million young individuals aged between 15 and 29 who fall under the category of not in employment, education or training. This constitutes 22 per cent of the youth demographic, marking a serious disconnect between potential and opportunity.

At the same time, Bangladesh remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, and climate change has only exacerbated its vulnerability. Ranked seventh globally in terms of climate risk, the country faces a wide array of natural and man-made hazards, ranging from floods, flash floods, water stagnation, cyclones, droughts, earthquakes and riverbank erosion to arsenic contamination, salinity intrusion and heatwaves. The geographical formation of the country, combined with rapid population growth, unplanned urbanisation and industrialisation, contributes to heightened disaster risk. The impact of climate change has made these hazards more frequent and severe, as evidenced by destructive cyclones such as Sidr in 2007, Nargis in 2008, Aila in 2009, Roanu in 2016, Amphan in 2020, Yaas in 2021, Midhili in 2023 and Remal in 2024. These disasters have repeatedly devastated coastal communities, disrupting income sources and displacing lives.

To respond to such vulnerabilities, both global and national frameworks have been adopted. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, endorsed at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Bangladesh’s National Plan for Disaster Management 2021–2025, supported by the Disaster Management Act 2012, the Disaster Management Policy 2015 and the Standing Orders on Disaster 2019, promote resilience-building at all levels. Critically, these frameworks highlight the importance of youth participation in disaster risk reduction efforts — emphasising the value of volunteerism, leadership development, knowledge-sharing, local consultation, social media mobilisation, capacity-building, indigenous knowledge integration and inclusive decision-making. However, the practical application of these directives remains inconsistent.

Our survey conducted in 2024 among young people in the Barishal district identifies both challenges and opportunities in advancing community-based disaster risk reduction through youth engagement. A striking 78 per cent of the respondents believe that existing policy frameworks typically reflect a top-down approach, often failing to align with grassroots needs. Financial and technical constraints were identified by 59 per cent of respondents as major barriers to effective implementation of disaster reduction initiatives. Furthermore, 53 per cent of participants indicated that government agencies rarely recognise youth volunteers formally, except those enrolled in the Cyclone Preparedness Programme. Another 39 per cent cited the lack of coordinated goals among stakeholders as a hindrance to unified action, with overlaps in programming often resulting from institutional silos.

Inadequate training opportunities from government departments in essential areas such as disaster preparedness, early warning systems and community mobilisation were flagged by 76 per cent of the surveyed youths. Equally concerning is the gendered disparity in youth participation — 57 per cent stated that social taboos and entrenched gender norms discourage female youth from engaging in voluntary disaster response efforts. Alarmingly, 67 per cent of respondents noted that marginalised groups, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, continue to face exclusion from local disaster management forums and meaningful policy consultations.

Despite these setbacks, young people in Bangladesh have consistently demonstrated their commitment to humanitarian response. An overwhelming 98 per cent of respondents view the youth population as a critical asset for mainstreaming community-based disaster risk reduction. Youths are capable of managing and disseminating relevant disaster data and contributing to periodic risk assessments that incorporate social and environmental dimensions. They can play a central role in translating complex risk information into formats accessible to policymakers and vulnerable communities alike.

Significantly, 87 per cent of participants in the survey expressed confidence in their ability to adopt and promote innovative disaster risk reduction strategies, such as risk and resource mapping and early warning systems. Many youths have already begun developing information dissemination tools in local dialects, using short message services, mobile applications and video content to circulate timely alerts. Several non-governmental organisations have facilitated youth involvement through trainings, workshops, site visits and leadership development platforms. These opportunities not only enhance local capacity but also connect Bangladeshi youth to global best practices. In addition, 84 per cent of respondents advocate for greater exchange programmes both within the country and abroad, aimed at building their expertise. A notable 89 per cent believe that community-based disaster risk reduction will be more successful if local residents, particularly youth, are directly involved in conducting risk assessments, facilitating training, simulating disaster responses, and managing shelters and rehabilitation processes. Youths can significantly influence decisions at the Union Disaster Management Committee level — 75 per cent of respondents agree that their representation can elevate community voices in this grassroots forum.

As the global climate crisis accelerates, disaster risk reduction frameworks have become more essential than ever. These frameworks articulate numerous commitments for youth engagement, but their translation into concrete action remains limited in the Bangladeshi context. The country possesses an immense pool of youth power, especially with a strong inclination toward volunteerism. Yet the neglect of youth by state and institutional actors threatens to waste this potential. Our findings should serve as a call to action. The state, international bodies, development partners and funding agencies must give immediate and special consideration to building the capacities of young people and fully integrating them into community-based disaster risk reduction strategies. If such steps are taken with intention and urgency, the nation will not only be better prepared for future disasters but also enriched by a generation of empowered, resilient, and informed youth.

Dr Mohammed Mamun Rashid is development professional and Farzana Ferdous is an independent researcher.​

 

[Saif]

20 minutes face-to-face with a tiger in the Sundarbans

About a year ago, I joined the international organisation Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). My place of posting is in Khulna. On behalf of WCS Bangladesh, we provide technical support to the field-level staff of the Bangladesh Forest Department so that they can contribute effectively to...

en.prothomalo.com

20 minutes face-to-face with a tiger in the Sundarbans
Sakib Uddin Ahmed
Published: 19 Apr 2025, 22: 44

Two tigers in one frame.Photo: Sakib Uddin Ahmed/WCS Bangladesh

About a year ago, I joined the international organisation Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). My place of posting is in Khulna. On behalf of WCS Bangladesh, we provide technical support to the field-level staff of the Bangladesh Forest Department so that they can contribute effectively to wildlife observation and conservation.

This role often requires me to travel into the Sundarbans. On 11 April, I once again embarked on a journey from Mongla towards the Sarankhola range. As always, I was accompanied by boatman Alamgir.

We began our journey in the morning and reached Harintana via the Shaila River by late afternoon. Daylight had already begun to fade within the forest. Our boat was moving along a canal approximately 250 feet wide. At one point, I noticed movement within the bushes. A fleeting glance revealed that the creature was none other than a tiger.

Very few people ever get the chance to witness the gaze of a Royal Bengal tiger.Photo: Sakib Uddin Ahmed / WCS Bangladesh"

By then, our boat had moved a little further ahead. In a low voice, I told the boatman, “Brother, I just saw a tiger. Please reverse the boat.”

Every time I venture into the forest, I always make a playful request to Alamgir Bhai as soon as I board the boat, “Brother, you must show me a tiger this time!” he always laughs and shares various stories about tiger sightings. But somehow, I never managed to see one. Strangely enough, this time, I hadn’t made that usual request while leaving Mongla but this time…!

As soon as we reversed the boat, we saw not one but two tigers. One had its head poking out from the bushes, while the other stood a short distance away beneath the golpata fronds. One of them was staring directly at me with intense curiosity. It seemed to be observing out every movement with great attention.

Another Tiger next to it.Photo: Sakib Uddin Ahmad/WCS Bangladesh

While observing them, I completely forgot about taking photographs. It was only later that I realised I had not even taken the camera out of the bag. In a hurry, I took out the camera and attached the lens, which took about a minute. I then began clicking rapidly. In the meantime, the tigers had changed their positions. They had skillfully concealed themselves within the natural cover of golpata, sundari and gewa trees. No wonder they’re called ‘stealthy hunters’’! I could no longer capture both of them in the same frame. While focusing on one, the other would slip behind the foliage. As dusk was approaching, the light had also begun to fade. I had no choice but to take photographs and videos in low light.

About twenty minutes passed in this manner. Judging by their movements, it appeared they were waiting to cross the canal. We had interrupted them. Our presence was blocking their path in their own territory. When I shared this thought with Alamgir brother, he started the boat engine.

By that time, evening had descended. I sat in the boat, trembling with excitement. Had this unbelievable moment truly happened in my life? As I pondered this, I checked the photos and videos I had just captured. Once I saw the images, there was no room for doubt.

That night, I joined the smart team at the Sarankhola range. They were delighted to see the photos. Some of them have been working in the Sundarbans for over a decade but have never encountered a tiger. Others may have had sudden sightings but without the opportunity to take photographs, a source of lasting regret. Listening to everyone’s stories of missed opportunities, I couldn’t help but feel fortunate.​

 

[Saif]

Human arrogance and the planet

PEOPLE like to pride themselves on how much more intelligent we are than other creatures on this planet. It would be helpful to remember that one of the most basic lessons grasped by other ‘lower’ critters is: do not foul your nest. Even an animal as destructive as the elephant knows better than...

www.newagebd.net

Human arrogance and the planet
Debra Efroymson 20 April, 2025, 00:00

PEOPLE like to pride themselves on how much more intelligent we are than other creatures on this planet. It would be helpful to remember that one of the most basic lessons grasped by other ‘lower’ critters is: do not foul your nest. Even an animal as destructive as the elephant knows better than to destroy its own habitat.

It would serve us well, as human beings, to be a bit less arrogant and more aware of the harm we are doing to our planet. We should become more cognisant of the obvious but oft forgotten fact that we cannot survive if we continue on our path of pollution and climate devastation.

Ah, you say, but there are various efforts afoot to improve the situation. For example, many groups celebrate Earth Day. But how serious is their message? We hear about planting trees and properly disposing of rubbish. All well and good, but can trees survive droughts, flooding and forest fires? How many trees do we plant versus the number we cut down for ‘development’? Rubbish, meanwhile, needs to be disposed of somewhere. Shifting it from one place to another aids with cleanliness; it does not save our environment.

And let us face it, we — not only in Bangladesh but throughout the world — face major environmental and climactic challenges that will require vastly bigger solutions than planting trees and disposing of rubbish. One hugely important but oft neglected issue in the environment discussion is the automobile. How many groups are brave enough to point out the incredible damage we are doing with our cars?

Allow me to cite a few statistics. You may or may not know that road crashes kill more than a million people a year and injure far more than that. Since their invention, cars and automobility have killed 60–80 million people and injured at least two billion. Really, are we okay with that?

But we are talking about Earth Day. We may think that the main harm caused by cars is from older models with black smoke pouring out of their tailpipe. Many people believe that by buying an electric car, they can have their convenient transport while not polluting. Not so. Cars pollute in every stage of their life: manufacture, use and disposal. Electric cars require vast resources (read mining) to create the battery, which is difficult and dangerous to recycle. And being heavier, electric cars can actually emit more pollutants from the friction of tires on roads.

Cars are a major contributor to the climate crisis. They are also a major reason why we cannot engage in more activities to mitigate the crisis and adapt to it: we tear down trees to build wide roads; we spend so much money supporting the use of cars that we have little left for environmental efforts; and the use of cars in cities makes it nearly impossible to operate a good public transit system or for people to walk and cycle safely and comfortably.

Cars harm wildlife and reduce biodiversity. The roads and highways we build for them destroy and fragment habitats. And then there is all the noise — not ‘just’ from honking but from revving engines. Think of the roar of motorbikes in the city, which not only is a nuisance, but kills people through stress.

Despite all this, we may associate the car with nature. How else to reach beautiful natural places, to explore the wilderness, than with a CRV? That association is by no means accidental; automobile companies spend billions of dollars a year advertising their products, including through sponsorship of channels such as National Geographic. How many ads have we seen with a car driving through a serene, unpolluted, natural environment? And how well do such ads match the reality of car use?

This year on Earth Day, April 22, let us remember that people are singularly destructive inhabitants of our planet that while the earth can do just fine without us, we cannot survive without a healthy environment; and that one of the biggest causes of environmental damage on this planet is the automobile. Once we recognise the problem, we can use our intelligence to come up with better solutions — not better cars, but better transport systems. We can reduce the need to travel. And then we can begin to repair some of the damage we have caused. It’s time to stop fouling and start cleaning our nest.

Debra Efroymson is Executive Director of the Institute of Wellbeing, Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Five climate action reforms that are doable

No space for Climate change in the ongoing reform debates but actions are needed.

www.thedailystar.net

Five climate action reforms that are doable

In the past 17 years, 17 big cyclones have hit Bangladesh. So, climate change-induced losses and damages are real for our country. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Climate change, an undoubtedly neutral topic in Bangladesh's politics, doesn't have any space in the ongoing reform debates. Nevertheless, given its existential nature, it will be a missed opportunity if we don't take the following five doable actions soon to reform our climate action.

First, we have several good climate change-relevant plans in the country, including the National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh (2023-2050) (NAP). However, we should prioritise only the NAP because it is very well-designed and the latest, and having too many investment plans is confusing. Besides, some Bangladeshi climate change experts think that adaptation should be our priority, not Loss and Damage (L&D). But, since adaptation measures have been failing to protect us from aggravated climate change impacts, taking L&D action is our next logical option. In the past 17 years (2007-2024), 17 big cyclones have hit Bangladesh. So, climate change-induced losses and damages are real for our country. The environment ministry, therefore, should adopt a national mechanism to figure out how the country should prepare itself, in terms of policy, capacity building, knowledge, and finance, by responding to worsening losses and damages.

Second, we should redefine our climate action. Instead of small pilot projects, we should scale up our proven options. We must also ensure many co-benefits from one investment. When we grow resilient crops in vulnerable locations, for example, we shouldn't only think about how many people it will feed, but also if it will maintain the soil health, and ensure social equity. In another approach, we need to bring in multiple compatible solutions in one place to maximise the impact. When we manage floods, for instance, we shouldn't only rely on engineering (grey solutions) or focus only on planting trees on the upstream watershed (green solutions). We need to harness grey, green, even blue (water-based) solutions, as all kinds of solutions have strengths and can complement each other.

Third, during the last 10 fiscal years, climate-relevant budgets have been 7.26-10.09 percent of the 25 ministries' and divisions' total budget, and 0.7-0.8 percent of our national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the next fiscal year (2025-26), we want the climate-relevant budget to include the ministries of culture, information, religion, and youth too, as all are crucial for climate action. The budget summary should not be based on the obsolete themes of the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, 2009 (BCCSAP). We need to bring in new themes. For example, adaptation money should be allocated under the "Locally Led Adaptation" theme, mitigation funds under "Green Growth" and "Just Transition", natural resource management activities under "Nature-based Solutions", and disaster risk management under the "L&D" theme. Knowledge and capacity building together must be cross-cutting themes, not separate ones. Further, the government should geographically (down to upazila level) allocate the climate budget based on vulnerability maps. Currently, we see serious anomalies in the geographical distribution of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) (e.g. Dhaka and Barishal divisions receive 38.26 percent of the total fund). We must correct this inconsistency.

The fourth proposed action is on Bangladesh Climate Change Trust's (BCCT) governance. The seven sectoral ministries (e.g. local government, water, and agriculture) on the trustee board should be replaced, since these ministries are frequent recipients of the BCCTF. Instead, representatives of civil society, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academia should be included. In the technical committee, the number of non-government technical experts should be increased.

On December 31, 2024, the BCCT uploaded the lists of a total of 944 projects: 254 ongoing, 623 completed, and 68 terminated. For transparency and accountability, the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) reports of the ongoing projects and project completion reports of the terminated and completed projects should be made public. The environment ministry-led trustee board should also restructure the BCCT's M&E system by giving responsibility to regional NGOs and academia to reduce operating costs, increase efficiency, and encourage inclusive governance.

Finally, Bangladesh launched the "Bangladesh Climate and Development Partnership" to scale up cross-sectoral implementation of climate action. In addition to a coordination board, four working groups are part of its structure, covering climate finance, policy reforms, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. Since mid-December 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been supporting the environment ministry to operationalise this platform. The ministry should harness this opportunity and work with the finance division to allocate operationalisation budget for 2025-26.

The environment ministry's current focus on protecting rivers is commendable. But, we need it to be active in the climate change arena too—not only to present a healthy report in the next climate change Conference of the Parties (COP), but also for the sake of Bangladesh's resilience.

Dr Haseeb Md. Irfanullah is an independent consultant working on the environment, climate change, and the research system. He is a visiting research fellow at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).​

 

[Saif]

Naraynganj canals pay for waste dumping, encroachment

When canals that run in and around the capital have either fallen into a terrible state or hurtled towards a slow death in the absence of effective waste management and because of encroachment, canals and water bodies in Naraynganj are in no better shape. A waste-filled DND canal at Siddhirganj...

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Naraynganj canals pay for waste dumping, encroachment
24 April, 2025, 00:00

When canals that run in and around the capital have either fallen into a terrible state or hurtled towards a slow death in the absence of effective waste management and because of encroachment, canals and water bodies in Naraynganj are in no better shape. A waste-filled DND canal at Siddhirganj in Narayanganj, as a photograph that New Age published on April 22 shows, is representative of all canals and water bodies that have been left unprotected. Unplanned dumping of domestic wastes, kitchen market wastes, faecal sludge and medical and electronic wastes keeps destroying the canals, polluting the environment, causing water stagnation and adversely impacting public health. Narayanganj people say that canals and water bodies, especially close to industrial areas, are faced with a slow death as wastes are haphazardly dumped in them while influential people have grabbed parts of many canals and water bodies. If such haphazard waste dumping and land grab continue, the canals and water bodies will face the fate of the canals and water bodies of the capital.

In Dhaka, not even a single canal is now free of pollution and encroachment. A number of canals have also lost their flow and some have just disappeared, too, because of unabated encroachment. The existence of a few canals in Dhaka has been only on paper as they have all now been encroached on. Many others are headed for the same fate in the absence of any effective action. About two-thirds of areas of canals and water retention and flood flow zones earmarked by the Flood Action Plan and the Detailed Area Plan have already been occupied by powerful quarters and government agencies. The authorities appear to have failed to address the issue adequately. In the past, various agencies took some measures such as enlisting grabbers of river and canal land, conducting drives to reclaim grabbed land, destroying illegal structures on river or canal land and penalising industries for dumping untreated waste into rivers and canals. But the measures, which failed to work, have not been sustainable. When there are a number of laws, rules, policies and guidelines to ensure environmentally-friendly waste management and stop encroachment, the failure to save the canals and water bodies is deplorable.

It is high time the authorities in Dhaka and surrounding districts abandoned paying lip service to the issue and showed the will to reclaim and preserve the canals, wetland, green areas and water bodies. The government should, therefore, take up an integrated approach, dealing with all factors that contribute to the destruction of the canals, to reclaim and conserve the canals to stop the city from hurtling to a disaster.​

 

[Saif]

Excavations fail to revive Mayur river

Mayur river, a major lifeline in Khulna that has long been plagued by encroachments and pollution, still remains on the brink of death despite two excavation projects to revive it over the past decade.

www.thedailystar.net

Excavations fail to revive Mayur river
Encroachment, waste dumping continue unabated

Mayur river, a major lifeline in Khulna that has long been plagued by encroachments and pollution, still remains on the brink of death despite two excavation projects to revive it over the past decade.

In 2014, the Khulna City Corporation undertook the first excavation project, spending Tk 5.78 crore to dredge 5.9- kilometre stretch of the river. A second initiative began in December 2023 with a Tk 7.59 crore allocation, which is nearing completion.

Yet, the 12-kilometre-long river still remains just a little more than a drain with pitch black water filled with silt and water hyacinths, as the excavation efforts fell short due to a lack of coordination, poor planning, and failure to enforce anti-encroachment laws.

The Mayur river, which flows through key areas of Khulna city including Alutola, Nirala, Gallamary, Boyra, Dayana, Arongghata, and Beel Dakatia before joining the Rupsha river, served as a robust freshwater source and natural drainage system for the city, playing a vital role in reducing waterlogging, supporting biodiversity, and providing water for nearly one lakh residents.

Experts opined that without a coordinated effort from the administration, environmentalists, and local communities, reviving Mayur river may remain an unattainable goal.

Visiting Trimohana area recently, the river was seen occupied by a makeshift bamboo dam, with sand being dumped at several points. Near Mahatab Uddin Road, a bamboo fencing was seen erected on the river.

Meanwhile, 26 drains within the KCC areas continue to discharge untreated waste water directly into the river, further exacerbating its woes.

Obidur Rahman, a resident of Rayer Mahal, said, "We cannot use the river's water for irrigation any more as it is too polluted."

Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul, divisional coordinator of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, said, "Without strict enforcement of law against encroachers, proper waste management, and continuous monitoring, Mayur may soon become a dead river."

Contacted, KCC chief engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan said the river's dredging work is almost complete.

He, however, said monitoring remains a significant challenge.

"We often get informed about attempts to construct structures within the river or instances of pollution from different sources, and we take action and carry out eviction drives as necessary. However, due to a manpower shortage, we are unable to monitor regularly, which remains a challenge," he added.​

 

[Saif]

River excavation must be done right

The plight of Mayur River shows where the problem lies

www.thedailystar.net

River excavation must be done right
The plight of Mayur River shows where the problem lies

VISUAL: STAR

The deterioration of Mayur River, once a lifeline for Khulna residents, has happened right in front of our eyes, as has the repeated failure to revive it. Over the years, we have published a number of reports on how it is being choked by encroachments of all sorts, unregulated fish farming, ill-advised dams, and unchecked pollution, with about 26 drains pouring most of Khulna city's waste into it. Against this backdrop, the excavation projects were meant to breathe new life into the river. But instead, they have further contributed to its decline.

According to a recent report by this daily, two excavation projects taken up by the city corporation—one in 2014 and another in 2023—have failed to deliver any meaningful improvement. During a recent visit by our Khulna correspondent, the river was seen occupied by a makeshift bamboo dam, with sand being dumped at several points. Meanwhile, old problems persist as the river remains choked with silt, hyacinths, and waste, with no visible improvement in its water flow or quality. This raises serious questions about the planning and execution of such projects.

Over the years, failed or harmful excavation efforts have been reported across the country. Unfortunately, despite river dredging being routine work, the relevant authorities often do it wrong, and in isolation, without linking it up with other interventions—such as eviction, de-cluttering, and stopping other harmful and invasive activities on rivers—necessary to make its impact lasting. In Khulna alone, such cases abound.

Over the years, failed or harmful excavation efforts have been reported across the country. Unfortunately, despite river dredging being routine work, the relevant authorities often do it wrong, and in isolation, without linking it up with other interventions—such as eviction, de-cluttering, and stopping other harmful and invasive activities on rivers—necessary to make its impact lasting. In Khulna alone, such cases abound. For example, in 2022, we reported an initiative by the Mongla port authorities to dump the debris excavated from Pashur River on vast swathes of farmland, threatening soil fertility and the livelihoods of thousands. That same year, we also wrote about the Bhadra River, which, despite being excavated only two years ago, silted up again as dug-up earth fell back into it. This has been more or less the running theme of our dredging or de-siltation initiatives, with excavated debris invariably making it back to the river.

The irony here is inescapable. River excavation is supposed to solve problems like navigability, pollution, and waterlogging. Instead, it is causing them anew, or creating new ones. If we truly want to revive our dying rivers, dredging must be treated as a means, not the goal. Excavation should be preceded by proper ecological assessments, involve local communities, and include clear plans for water sourcing, encroachment removal, pollution control, and maintenance. And the relevant authorities must coordinate better and be held accountable. Otherwise, we risk repeating the same failure until our rivers are beyond saving. The Mayur River stands as a grim reminder of what such failure looks like.​

 

[Saif]

No new industrial units within 10km of Sundarbans ECA

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will soon issue a gazette notification in this regard, officials said today

www.thedailystar.net

No new industrial units within 10km of Sundarbans ECA

Photo: Courtesy/UNB

The government has decided to prohibit any new industrial unit and project from being established within 10 kilometres of the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) surrounding the Sundarbans.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Secretariat with Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in the chair yesterday.

The ministry will soon issue a gazette notification in this regard, officials said.

A panel of experts will assess the environmental impact of existing industrial units within 10km of the ECA. Based on these assessments and existing court orders, further decisions will be made regarding those establishments.

The meeting also approved amendments to the Climate Change Trust Rules allowing joint project proposals from government, private organisations, and NGOs.

It was also decided that all ministries will be consulted to formulate the next action plan to tackle noise pollution.

Besides, a target was set to ensure that at least 30 percent of bricks used in public and private construction are concrete blocks by 2025.

A coordination meeting at the secretary level will be held in May to follow up on the implementation.​

 

[Saif]

Reclaiming Cox's Bazar forests

The government's decision to return 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar to the Forest Department reversing previous allocations to various agencies offers a reason for optimism. The fact that such a vast expanse of forestland from Bangladesh's already limited forest cover was handed over to d

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Reclaiming Cox's Bazar forests
FE
Published :
Apr 26, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Apr 26, 2025 22:59

The government's decision to return 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar to the Forest Department reversing previous allocations to various agencies offers a reason for optimism. The fact that such a vast expanse of forestland from Bangladesh's already limited forest cover was handed over to different entities with official approval exposes how little environmental preservation was a priority for past governments. While much more remains to be done to safeguard the forests of Cox's Bazar, this current move indicates a shift in attitude and a growing political willingness to correct past wrongs.

A recent report published in this paper quoted environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as saying that 700 acres of illegally occupied forestland in Cox's Bazar have already been recovered, which suggests a strong start for the anti-deforestation campaign. The adviser also noted that construction on 150 acres of forestland illegally occupied by an individual has been stopped and 20 acres allocated to a football academy are being reclaimed. There is also ongoing initiative to return land on Sonadia Island that had been allocated to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). These specific developments, while encouraging, also brought to light the troubling reality that many of the encroachments and forest clearings were carried out by government departments and agencies themselves. Entities meant to serve the public interest and protect national assets have, ironically, emerged as primary drivers of forest destruction. Cox's Bazar which is home to the critically endangered Asian elephant and numerous other species including deer, wild pigs and monkeys has lost a quarter of its forest cover due to these encroachments. The reckless destruction of these habitats in the name of infrastructure and departmental expansion is a textbook example of development being pursued at the cost of ecological survival.

The crisis of forest encroachment extends well beyond Cox's Bazar. Forests are shrinking from the Sundarbans to the Chattogram Hill Tracts due to a confluence of factors including illegal logging, agricultural expansion and uncontrolled industrial activity. Even the iconic Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has witnessed an alarming drop in tree numbers over the years. Rampant extraction of resources is pushing the Sundarbans towards irreversible ecological decline. Forests, especially those along the coast, have historically served as natural barriers against extreme weather events in addition to their critical function in preserving ecological balance. It is hard to comprehend how any logic of development could justify the removal of such critical protections.

Past attempts to reclaim forestland through eviction drives have frequently been undermined by powerful land grabbers who secured status quo orders from the courts. To avoid a recurrence of such setbacks, the government must act with full transparency and resolve. One crucial step would be the public release of a comprehensive and easily accessible list of individuals and institutions responsible for illegal forest occupation, an action that could serve as a strong deterrent. Furthermore, a zero-tolerance policy must be enforced to ensure that not a single inch of forest land is encroached upon going forward. The environment adviser's commitment to returning the 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar to the Forest Department must also be fulfilled without further delay. Once recovered, the land should be swiftly reforested to help restore ecological balance. At the same time, legal and administrative action must be taken against those who have benefitted from forest plunder, those who shielded them, and those whose negligence or wilfulinaction enabled this abuse.​