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

[Saif]

Progress in recovering forest land, but pollution, polythene use not halted

Although action plans have been drawn up to tackle river and air pollution, comprehensive control over environmental degradation remains a challenge. The caretaker government, in its first year, however, has achieved some success in recovering forest land. Since 5 August last year, the Ministry...

en.prothomalo.com

Progress in recovering forest land, but pollution, polythene use not halted

Mostafa YusufDhaka
Published: 19 Aug 2025, 22: 14

Environment and rights activists, as well children participate in a sit-in programme organised by Janovassyo and earki in front of the Parliament Complex in Dhaka on 13 December 2024, demanding the formulation of an action plan immediately to prevent air pollution in the capital. File photo

Although action plans have been drawn up to tackle river and air pollution, comprehensive control over environmental degradation remains a challenge.

The caretaker government, in its one year, however, has achieved some success in recovering forest land. Since 5 August last year, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has cancelled allocations made for development projects and brought nearly 10,000 acres of forest land back under state protection.

During the same period, attempts were made to curb the use of polythene, though these efforts have so far failed—drawing criticism.

In Cox’s Bazar, recovery of forestland has offered some respite, but according to the Forest Department’s records, 19 elephants, an already critically endangered species, have died over the past year.

A dedicated elephant conservation project has now been launched. The ministry also pledged to free at least one river from encroachment and pollution, a promise that is yet to be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, confusion over the number of rivers in the country has at least been resolved. The National River Protection Commission and the Water Development Board have now produced a joint, standardised list, recording a total of 1,294 rivers across the country.

In efforts to curb noise pollution, the Department of Environment designated Shahjalal International Airport and the Secretariat area as “silent zones”. Despite running awareness campaigns, noise levels in these zones remain unchecked.

For burning garbage on the side of the road, the air has gone hazy with heavy smoke. This is polluting the environment on one hand while increasing health risks on the other. Photo taken from Imamganj Beribadh area in Dhaka on 17 May. Dipu Malakar

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan observed, “The level of pollution inflicted on Dhaka’s rivers over the years cannot possibly be reversed in a year or two. Nevertheless, we have finalised plans to free four rivers in Dhaka, and 16 outside the capital, from both pollution and encroachment. We have identified the main sources of pollution and compiled a list of those responsible.”

Speaking on noise pollution, she added, “Under the new noise-control regulations being drafted, traffic sergeants will be empowered to fine drivers for honking the horns of their vehicles. At present, the law does not permit them to impose such penalties. However, without changing the deeply entrenched culture of excessive horn use, legal measures alone will not do.”

Cancellation of land allocations
During the previous Awami League administration, “mega development projects” exerted heavy pressure on forest land in Cox’s Bazar.

Twenty acres of reserved forest in Ramu were allotted to the Bangladesh Football Federation for a football academy, 700 acres in Shuknachhari were allocated to the Public Administration Ministry for a civil service academy, and 9,467 acres in Sonadia were set aside for the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

In addition, in 2017, 155 acres were allocated in the name of the brother of former cabinet secretary Shafiul Alam. Over the past year, these allocations have been cancelled and the land brought back under the control of the Forest Department.

The caretaker government has also scrapped a proposal by former environment minister Shahab Uddin to build a safari park at Lathitila reserved forest in Sylhet at a cost of Tk 1,000 crore (Tk 10 billion).

Air pollution File photo

According to Forest Department data, between August 2024 and June 2025 some 5,100 acres of forest land were recovered from encroachers. The planting of invasive species, Akashmoni and eucalyptus, has been banned. Beel Joanna and Beel Bhela in Rajshahi have been declared wetland sanctuaries.

Across 24 districts, a total of 138,613 acres of forest land remain under illegal occupation by 88,212 encroachers. In Gazipur, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, powerful land-grabbers are yet to be removed. Since 5 August last year, around 100 acres in Gazipur have been newly encroached; roughly 70 acres have been recovered.

Speaking about the overall situation, Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury told Prothom Alo, “We have categorised forest encroachments into four types. Those are: industrial, resort, agricultural and market encroachments. In Gazipur, recovering forest land from industrial facilities is particularly difficult, as many have prepared forged documents and filed cases based on those. Until those cases are disposed of, eviction cannot proceed. We are, however, regularly removing the other three categories.”

Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of the Cox’s Bazar Civil Society, said that in the past year no public body or influential person has been able to secure new forest allocations in the district; on the contrary, several institutional and individual allocations have been cancelled.

He further said that encroachment on the Bakkhali River has also been halted. Although hill cutting has decreased, it still occurs clandestinely. However, the offenders are being prosecuted.

In Tangail’s Madhupur, the Environment and Forest Ministry has launched efforts to restore the natural Shal forest.

Chimneys spew out black fumes from the brick kilns, polluting the air. The picture was taken from Mollar Hat area of South Keraniganj File photo

Speaking about this, Abu Naser Md Mohsin, divisional forest officer for Tangail, told Prothom Alo, “We have prepared a master plan for restoring the Shal forest. As a first step, 750 acres have been planted with Shal and associated native tree species such as Haritaki, Bahera, Halud and Chapalish. A further 1,100 acres of Shal forest will follow.”

Steps to conserve biodiversity on Saint Martin’s Island

The authorities have restricted tourist inflows and approved a Tk 70 million (7 crore) programme to create alternative livelihoods for residents dependent on tourism to protect biodiversity on Saint Martin’s Island.

Under the interim government's decisions, tourists may visit the island in November but must return the same day. In December and January, visits and overnight stays are permitted, subject to a daily cap of 2,000 tourists. From February, tourist access will be suspended.

Polythene and air-pollution remain challenges

In October 2024, the Environment Ministry issued a gazette notification banning polythene at malls and superstores. While compliance has been achieved in superstores, kitchen markets continue to use polythene, largely because affordable alternatives remain scarce. Some 50 tonnes of polythene have been seized in enforcement drives over the past two months.

At Karwan Bazar in Dhaka, most shoppers are still seen carrying vegetables, fish and other essentials in polythene bags.

Asked why he was using polythene despite the ban, private-sector employee Salam Miyazi told Prothom Alo, “People will keep using polythene until substitutes are readily available. The ban will work only if alternatives are on offer at a reasonable price.”

Speaking about this, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, “We managed to stop polythene in superstores because persuading the operators there was relatively easier. Kitchen markets are different; we could not yet impose effective controls at the point of production. Besides, habits also matter. To end polythene use we must act on three fronts simultaneously - production controls, market monitoring and public awareness. That is exactly what we are trying to do.”

To curb industrial pollution, the government moved to install CCTV monitoring to verify whether effluent treatment plants (ETPs) are actually operated.

However, an official at the Department of Environment, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while most factories have installed cameras, oversight remains inconsistent.

There has been no improvement in overall air quality over the past year. Although enforcement against polluting brick kilns has intensified, open waste burning, emissions from unfit vehicles and transboundary haze continue unabated.

The Department of Environment reports that 830 brick kilns were demolished over the year.

Savar has been designated as the country’s first “degraded airshed”, with a phased plan to shut down major sources of pollution there.

Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, dean of science at Stamford University and founder of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), told Prothom Alo, “Effective action has been taken against non-compliant brick kilns, and there has been progress on forest restoration. But the circular on vehicular emissions has not been enforced in practice. That is a failure of the government.”

“Stronger measures should also have been taken to curb river pollution,” he observed.​

 

[Saif]

When climate crisis meets corruption

Bangladesh stands among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, not only in statistical rankings but in the lived experience of millions. The country has entered an era in which the scale and frequency of natural disasters can no longer be predicted within familiar seasonal or geographical pat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

When climate crisis meets corruption
SYED MUHAMMED SHOWAIB

Published :
Nov 15, 2025 00:20

Bangladesh stands among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, not only in statistical rankings but in the lived experience of millions. The country has entered an era in which the scale and frequency of natural disasters can no longer be predicted within familiar seasonal or geographical patterns. In the past year alone, districts such as Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur and parts of Cumilla were inundated by severe flooding, a calamity soon repeated in Sylhet regions. For the northern districts, floodwaters have become almost annual occurrences as monsoon flows from upstream regions in India overwhelm local rivers. Floods are not the only effects of climate change. Saline intrusion is happening faster in coastal areas due to rising sea levels which is hurting farming and driving internal displacement.

The seasons themselves no longer behave as they once did. Bangladesh was once defined by six distinct seasons that were culturally and environmentally recognisable. Today, these seasonal transitions have blurred. Winters are comparatively warmer and sometimes so mild that cold wave warnings come as a surprise. The shift from late autumn to early winter passes almost unnoticed. High temperatures persist for longer periods and heatwaves are more frequent, affecting public health, labour productivity and water availability. At the same time, river erosion continues to claim vast stretches of land. Homes, croplands, mosques, schools and marketplaces collapse into rivers as currents intensify. Communities relocate inland only to confront the same fate once again.

There is no real debate about the gravity of climate impacts confronting Bangladesh. The country ranked seventh in the 2020 Global Climate Risk Index, which evaluated impacts from 1999 to 2019, and ninth in the 2023 World Risk Index for disaster risk. Climate finance is directed to Bangladesh for the simple reason that it stands on the frontlines of global warming and carries burden it did not create. Yet at the very moment when the global community meets in Brazil for COP30 to discuss climate justice and future financing commitments, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that more than US$248 million of Bangladesh's climate funds have been lost to corruption. As far as timing goes, this report could not have come as a more damaging moment. While world leaders gather in Belem to discuss climate finance, this revelation forces a hard look at how well climate funds are protected and how faithfully they reach those who depend on them.

Bangladesh's delegation arrived at the summit with clear priorities including a new global climate finance goal of $300 billion annually by 2035, operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund by 2026 and a doubling of adaptation finance. These are legitimate and urgent demands. However, the TIB report provides potent ammunition for critics in donor capitals who argue that financial commitments are wasted, thereby undermining the political consensus necessary to scale up funding. How can developed nations be persuaded to fulfil their $100 billion pledge and move towards trillions as Bangladesh proposes when evidence suggests that even limited existing funds are so easily misappropriated!

The diverted amount represents more than half of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund. These resources were intended to construct embankments, strengthen coastal livelihoods, improve water systems, build climate resilient infrastructure and support affected communities. Yet, according to the TIB report, project selection often had less to do with climate vulnerability and more with political convenience. Members of the Trustee Board and the Technical Committee exercised discretionary authority in ways that served partisan or personal interests paving the way for corruption within the fund's allocation process.

The TIB report further revealed that over 15 per cent of the Climate Trust Fund's money remains stuck in a financially-distressed bank. Recovery of these funds remains uncertain, which indicates a greater institutional deficiency in preserving public resources. International climate finance partners expect transparency, credible monitoring and independent audits as the bare minimum. When fund misuse becomes the headline, trust from those partners inevitably erodes and future allocations become uncertain. Undoubtedly, this has made the already difficult negotiations at COP30 even more fraught. For the people of Bangladesh, the implication is a double victimisation. They are first victimised by the climate impacts they did little to cause and second by the theft of resources meant for their protection.

In addition to the corruption scandal, there are concerns about how well the climate fund is being utilised in other areas. In many climate change adaptation projects implemented by NGOs, a significant portion of funding are dedicated to what is described as capacity building. In practice, this often means training sessions and workshops. Many donors and aid agencies view this as an essential project component, and NGOs respond accordingly. However, the outcomes have frequently been limited. Participants attend sessions, listen, take meals and return home only to resume their old practices. The intended behavioural transformation rarely materialises. Ironically, such expenditure is often categorised as successfully utilised, even though the practical impact remains negligible. This situation clearly calls for a more mature and realistic approach, one that focuses not only on capacity development but also on constructing physical infrastructure to help people withstand the effects of climate change.

The failure to protect climate funds at home weakens Bangladesh's position in advocating for fair global financing arrangements. The inadequacy of current global commitments is beyond dispute, but the legitimacy of these demands is now eclipsed by domestic governance lapses. To regain credibility, words must give way to action. The Climate Change Trust Fund should be reconstituted with non-partisan and independent expertise. Transparent audit mechanisms must be established, and community level monitoring and civil society oversight must be integrated at the project design stage.

The exposure of corruption ahead of COP30 presents a difficult moment, yet it also offers an opportunity to embed strong anti-corruption conditions into future climate finance frameworks. This proactive step is the only way to build the global trust necessary for these funds to be effective and impactful.​

 

[Saif]

Is climate change intensifying fires in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh is facing a growing fire crisis. Data from the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, compiled by Dataful, shows roughly 250,000 fires occurred nationwide between 1997 and 2018.

www.thedailystar.net

Is climate change intensifying fires in Bangladesh?

According to experts, dry weather and dusty winds heighten fire risks by creating highly flammable conditions. FILE PHOTO: COLLECTED

Bangladesh is facing a growing fire crisis. Data from the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, compiled by Dataful, shows roughly 250,000 fires occurred nationwide between 1997 and 2018. The trend is accelerating: over 24,000 incidents were reported in 2022, jumping to more than 26,600 by 2024. Over the past two decades, fires have claimed nearly 2,650 lives and left more than 13,000 injured.

In recent times, three massive fires in Dhaka and Chattogram have caused loss of life and billions of dollars, starkly revealing persistent shortcomings in safety standards, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency preparedness. However, climate shifts may also have a major role in fire hazards, as seen in other countries.

Rising global temperatures, caused by human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, have increased the risk of wildfires worldwide, as evidenced by the record-breaking US fires of 2017–2018 and in 2024–2025. Experts warn that extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall will increasingly contribute to large fires across the globe, adding to the risks from poor maintenance and regulatory failures.

In January 2025, unusually severe fires swept Los Angeles, fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds. The deadly wildfires were twice as likely and burned an area 25 times bigger than they would have in a world without global warming. Reports suggested that over 50,000 acres burned and around 16,000 structures were damaged, forcing authorities to advise more than 180,000 people to evacuate.

The same erratic pattern has made summer blazes in southeastern Europe up to ten times more likely. Between March 2024 and February 2025 alone, more than 3.7 million square kilometres of land—an area larger than India—went up in flames. Over 100 million people were affected, with homes and infrastructure worth $215 billion at risk.

Climate scientists from World Weather Attribution at Imperial College London say climate change—through reduced rainfall, parched vegetation, and extreme winds—intensified both the severity and likelihood of these fires in the US and Europe.

According to experts, dry weather and dusty winds heighten fire risks by creating highly flammable conditions. Low humidity and parched fuels, combined with strong winds, significantly increase the likelihood and rapid spread of fires, often prompting high fire danger alerts.

The May 2025 fires in central Israel were intensified by prolonged heat, drought, and strong winds, which fuelled the rapid spread of fire. Officials linked the extreme conditions to broader climate change trends, showing how firefighting efforts were stretched beyond capacity.

In October 2025, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning as strong winds of 60 mph and critically low humidity drove high fire risk across Colorado's Eastern Plains and Front Range, recalling the deadly East Troublesome Fire in October 2020.

A recent study published in Nature Cities reveals that rising temperatures could heighten urban fire risks across 2,847 cities in 20 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and China, threatening buildings, vehicles, and outdoor spaces. Drawing on historical records and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate scenarios, the research finds that each one-degree Celsius increase in temperature drives a 4.7 percent rise in outdoor fires and a 2.5 percent rise in vehicle fires. High-emission warming can potentially boost outdoor fires and vehicle fires by 22 percent and 11 percent, respectively, by the year 2100.

Urban areas are particularly vulnerable, as hotter, drier weather directly fuels faster-spreading fires, overwhelming emergency services and threatening infrastructure.

Pollution, urban heat from rapid urbanisation, poor infrastructure, and regulatory gaps are all fuelling more frequent and intense fires, as trapped atmospheric heat raises temperatures, disrupts weather patterns, and worsens drought conditions.

In Bangladesh, experts link the higher pollution levels in Dhaka and Chattogram to their dense concentration of industries, commercial hubs, and employment opportunities. As the country's main economic centres, both cities suffer from severe air pollution caused by industrial emissions, traffic, construction, household fuel use, and open-air waste burning.

The growing influence of major climatic shifts on urban environments necessitates a focused investigation into the rising incidence of devastating fires across Bangladesh, especially in key cities such as Dhaka and Chattogram. Consequently, a proactive and interdisciplinary approach, merging rigorous scientific analysis with robust policy frameworks, is crucial to understanding these complex dynamics and mitigating the risk of future large-scale emergencies.

Abdul Kader Mohiuddin is an alumnus of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University.​

 

[Saif]

No winter in Bangladesh by 2100?

New study warns of temperatures rising by 4.5°C if greenhouse gas emissions not reduced

www.thedailystar.net

No winter in Bangladesh by 2100?
New study warns of temperatures rising by 4.5°C if greenhouse gas emissions not reduced

Star file photo

Bangladesh's average temperature could rise sharply in the coming decades -- potentially by up to 4.5°C by 2100 -- if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, a new study has warned.

The study warns that winter could vanish entirely by the century's end, with nearly 18% of the nation's coastal land at risk of going underwater.

Google News LinkFor all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Rising sea levels and intensified flooding could also displace around 900,000 people across Bangladesh by 2050, the study also said.

The findings were presented in a new research report titled "Bangladesh's Future Climate", which was released on Wednesday at a Dhaka hotel.

The report was jointly prepared by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, with technical support from Save the Children. It was led by meteorologist Md Bazlur Rashid.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Bazlur Rashid said the study report provides forecasts for five types of climate scenarios. It divides the remaining part of the century into two periods: 2041–2070 and 2071–2100.

Norwegian climatologist Hans Olav Hygen delivered the keynote presentation.

Hygen told The Daily Star that the positive side of the report is that Bangladesh can take preventive measures before these threats become unmanageable.

The report also says Bangladesh is likely to experience far more intense and frequent heatwaves. Western districts, in particular, may face extreme heat almost throughout the year. By the 2070s, pre-monsoon heatwaves in western regions could last up to 20 days, and by the century's end, nearly 70 of the 90 pre-monsoon days may experience heatwave conditions.

Dhaka, too, is projected to encounter at least two severe heatwaves every year -- one before and one after the monsoon, the report read.

The study warns that Bangladesh's winter season may nearly disappear within decades. In the country's northeast, mild cold spells may occur for only a day or two during December–January, while winter characteristics across southern districts may vanish entirely.

Monsoon precipitation could increase by an average of 118mm by 2070 and by 15 percent -- or around 255mm -- by the end of the century.

The report estimates that coastal waters around Bangladesh may rise 3.8 to 5.8 millimetres annually -- more than double the global average of 2.1mm. As a result, 12–18 percent of coastal lands may be permanently submerged by 2100.

The Sundarbans could lose up to 918 square kilometres -- about 23 percent of its area -- to rising waters.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Is climate change intensifying fires in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh is facing a growing fire crisis. Data from the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, compiled by Dataful, shows roughly 250,000 fires occurred nationwide between 1997 and 2018.

www.thedailystar.net

Is climate change intensifying fires in Bangladesh?

View attachment 22502
According to experts, dry weather and dusty winds heighten fire risks by creating highly flammable conditions. FILE PHOTO: COLLECTED

Bangladesh is facing a growing fire crisis. Data from the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, compiled by Dataful, shows roughly 250,000 fires occurred nationwide between 1997 and 2018. The trend is accelerating: over 24,000 incidents were reported in 2022, jumping to more than 26,600 by 2024. Over the past two decades, fires have claimed nearly 2,650 lives and left more than 13,000 injured.

In recent times, three massive fires in Dhaka and Chattogram have caused loss of life and billions of dollars, starkly revealing persistent shortcomings in safety standards, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency preparedness. However, climate shifts may also have a major role in fire hazards, as seen in other countries.

Rising global temperatures, caused by human-driven greenhouse gas emissions, have increased the risk of wildfires worldwide, as evidenced by the record-breaking US fires of 2017–2018 and in 2024–2025. Experts warn that extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall will increasingly contribute to large fires across the globe, adding to the risks from poor maintenance and regulatory failures.

In January 2025, unusually severe fires swept Los Angeles, fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds. The deadly wildfires were twice as likely and burned an area 25 times bigger than they would have in a world without global warming. Reports suggested that over 50,000 acres burned and around 16,000 structures were damaged, forcing authorities to advise more than 180,000 people to evacuate.

The same erratic pattern has made summer blazes in southeastern Europe up to ten times more likely. Between March 2024 and February 2025 alone, more than 3.7 million square kilometres of land—an area larger than India—went up in flames. Over 100 million people were affected, with homes and infrastructure worth $215 billion at risk.

Climate scientists from World Weather Attribution at Imperial College London say climate change—through reduced rainfall, parched vegetation, and extreme winds—intensified both the severity and likelihood of these fires in the US and Europe.

According to experts, dry weather and dusty winds heighten fire risks by creating highly flammable conditions. Low humidity and parched fuels, combined with strong winds, significantly increase the likelihood and rapid spread of fires, often prompting high fire danger alerts.

The May 2025 fires in central Israel were intensified by prolonged heat, drought, and strong winds, which fuelled the rapid spread of fire. Officials linked the extreme conditions to broader climate change trends, showing how firefighting efforts were stretched beyond capacity.

In October 2025, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning as strong winds of 60 mph and critically low humidity drove high fire risk across Colorado's Eastern Plains and Front Range, recalling the deadly East Troublesome Fire in October 2020.

A recent study published in Nature Cities reveals that rising temperatures could heighten urban fire risks across 2,847 cities in 20 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and China, threatening buildings, vehicles, and outdoor spaces. Drawing on historical records and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate scenarios, the research finds that each one-degree Celsius increase in temperature drives a 4.7 percent rise in outdoor fires and a 2.5 percent rise in vehicle fires. High-emission warming can potentially boost outdoor fires and vehicle fires by 22 percent and 11 percent, respectively, by the year 2100.

Urban areas are particularly vulnerable, as hotter, drier weather directly fuels faster-spreading fires, overwhelming emergency services and threatening infrastructure.

Pollution, urban heat from rapid urbanisation, poor infrastructure, and regulatory gaps are all fuelling more frequent and intense fires, as trapped atmospheric heat raises temperatures, disrupts weather patterns, and worsens drought conditions.

In Bangladesh, experts link the higher pollution levels in Dhaka and Chattogram to their dense concentration of industries, commercial hubs, and employment opportunities. As the country's main economic centres, both cities suffer from severe air pollution caused by industrial emissions, traffic, construction, household fuel use, and open-air waste burning.

The growing influence of major climatic shifts on urban environments necessitates a focused investigation into the rising incidence of devastating fires across Bangladesh, especially in key cities such as Dhaka and Chattogram. Consequently, a proactive and interdisciplinary approach, merging rigorous scientific analysis with robust policy frameworks, is crucial to understanding these complex dynamics and mitigating the risk of future large-scale emergencies.

Abdul Kader Mohiuddin is an alumnus of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University.​

Start Planting Trees in Big number in first stage. Work on pollution reduction in second stage. Do water harvesting and soil improvement in third stage. My score to tree Plantation crossed 14000 by the end of this rainy season.

 

[Saif]

Intent was good, but poor execution failed plastic ban

In 2002, in a revolutionary move, Bangladesh became the first country to ban thin plastic bags. Needless to say, it failed to achieve any tangible success. More initiatives in the later years also ended with similar results.

www.thedailystar.net

Intent was good, but poor execution failed plastic ban
Says president of the association for diversified jute products manufacturers

Md Rashedul Karim Munna

In 2002, in a revolutionary move, Bangladesh became the first country to ban thin plastic bags. Needless to say, it failed to achieve any tangible success. More initiatives in the later years also ended with similar results. Following the political changeover in 2024, the interim government renewed a crackdown on plastic, with Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan ordering a ban on polythene bags in supermarkets and grocery stores from October last year. A year later, it appears that crackdown yielded little result yet again.

According to Md Rashedul Karim Munna, president of the Bangladesh Jute Diversified Products Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the problem lies not in intent but in execution.

"Without strong coordination across ministries, support for plastic producers to transition, and mass awareness among consumers, the ban risks falling short just as similar efforts have in the past," Munna told The Daily Star in an exclusive interview recently.

As part of the anti-plastic efforts, the government has recently banned three single-use plastic items, including straws and cotton buds, within the Secretariat from October 2, 2025.

Munna praised the government's intent but warned that symbolic actions cannot replace a comprehensive strategy. "Announcements alone won't bring results unless backed by serious planning."

He pointed out that more than 100 countries, including EU members and Australia, have successfully implemented bans or restrictions on single-use plastics.

"What these countries did differently is they prepared the population," he said. "They ran awareness campaigns, increased taxes on harmful materials, and offered financial support to businesses producing alternatives."

In contrast, he noted that Bangladesh relied on policy declarations and limited pilot projects.

For example, the government allocated Tk 15 crore for Dhaka and Tk 10 crore for Chattogram to promote jute bags under a Climate Development Fund project. "It is not enough to create lasting change. Without wide-scale awareness and real alternatives, people will always fall back on plastic."

He also pointed to the absence of a transition plan for workers in the plastic manufacturing sector.

"The people making plastic products are not our enemies. If we support them to switch to alternatives, they will consider it. Right now, they feel left out of the conversation," he said, adding that this is helping fuel underground and illegal production.

He also said the bans are usually imposed without prior consultation with plastic sector stakeholders.

The diversified jute goods producer stressed the need for targeted financial support, training, and subsidies to help manufacturers adapt equipment and retrain staff for jute-based or recyclable alternatives.

Moreover, he stated that some industry resistance has practical reasons. "Sectors like cement or fertiliser need coated bags to prevent leakage. Regular jute bags don't work for them," he explained, calling for government-backed R&D and technical support to modernise packaging systems.

"People will not change their habits unless they understand what's at stake. And it's not just the environment, there are serious health risks tied to plastic use," he said, linking growing prevalence of cancer, kidney and liver issues to toxins and microplastics leaching into the environment and food.

He called on researchers and the media to educate the public. "If people realise that avoiding plastic protects their health and their children's future, they will start making the switch."

According to Munna, the key to success lies in a long-term, strategic action plan with clear targets and deadlines. On top of this, there needs to be improved coordination between the environment, industry, commerce, and customs ministries.

"Right now, the environment ministry is taking the lead, but implementation is weak because others are not aligned," he said. "Without proper enforcement and accountability, this will become just another paper policy."

He recommended giving enforcement bodies clear authority and resources, and improving waste management systems to support recycling.

When asked why stronger action has not yet been taken, Munna pointed to the lack of public pressure and political will. He remains hopeful, however, that change is possible.

"We don't want to be opponents of the plastic industry. We want to help them transition," he said. "If there is awareness, support, and enforcement, this can be a success story like the garment industry's transformation after Rana Plaza."

He cited examples like Coca-Cola and other global brands moving toward recyclable packaging, arguing that even large corporations are shifting, and Bangladesh can too.

"The time to act is now. With smart planning, we can protect our environment, promote local industries, and safeguard public health – all at the same time," he said.​

 

[Saif]

newagebd.net/post/country/283254/new-law-for-wider-wildlife-protection-on-table

New law for wider wildlife protection on table
Sadiqur Rahman 25 November, 2025, 23:24

A new wildlife ordinance would define the hunting of 246 wildlife species as a non-bailable offence, expanding a provision that is currently applied only to the killing of tigers and elephants.

The environment, forest and climate change ministry has recently drafted an ordinance for the conservation and security of wildlife, also defining cruelty against animals.

The draft ordinance, once approved, will replace the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012.

Wildlife experts have welcomed the move but strongly emphasised the need for its proper implementation.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the environment, forest and climate change, and water resources ministries, recently told New Age, ‘The law is being updated to curb ongoing crimes against wildlife and to ensure their survival in the future, so that the next elected government does not undo these changes.’

The ministry completed receiving public opinions on the draft on November 20 and is now processing the document for vetting.

According to the draft, hunting 246 scheduled animals and birds, including 66 mammals such as tiger, elephant, fishing cat, Asiatic black bear, civet and dolphin; 106 bird species; 44 reptiles including crocodile and turtle; and 29 amphibians including Indian bullfrog and whale shark, would be considered a non-bailable offence.

Under the draft law, hunting tigers and elephants would be punishable with a minimum of two and a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment, or a fine of Tk 1–10 lakh, or both. Anyone who would repeat the offence would face 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 15 lakh.

Hunting any of the other 244 scheduled animals would be punished with three to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 3–5 lakh.

The draft also designates any harmful activity within sanctuaries and national parks as a non-bailable offence.

These harmful activities include illegal trespassing, picnicking, cultivation, industrial activities, destruction of wildlife habitats and wetlands, introduction of exotic, alien or invasive species, releasing domestic animals for foraging, dumping hazardous materials, and extraction of minerals.

Currently, the country has 27 wildlife and wetland-dependent animal sanctuaries, including those in the east and west Sundarban, and 19 national parks, including Bhawal National Park in Gazipur and Nijhum Dwip National Park in Noakhali.

The draft further defines cruelty against wildlife.

According to the draft, punishable offences include beating wildlife, harassing them, blindfolding them, detaining them unnecessarily, intimidating them, causing distress during transport, killing them using electric fencing, and posting videos of cruelty against wildlife on social media.

Anyone who would commit these offences would face one to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 1–2 lakh.

Praising the updating of the law, wildlife expert Professor M Monirul H Khan stressed the need for its enforcement for survival of the wildlife in the future.

Monirul, a zoology teacher at Jahangirnagar University, said, ‘Even under the existing law, killing wildlife is a punishable offence, yet they are being killed frequently. The law is not being properly enforced.’

According to Forest Department data, since the enactment of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act in 2012, 332 cases have been lodged and around 260 people have been punished with short-term imprisonment or fines by mobile courts until June 2025.

Noting that the pace of enforcement is inadequate, wildlife experts have long been demanding exemplary punishment for wildlife crime perpetrators.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

newagebd.net/post/country/283254/new-law-for-wider-wildlife-protection-on-table

New law for wider wildlife protection on table
Sadiqur Rahman 25 November, 2025, 23:24

View attachment 22610

A new wildlife ordinance would define the hunting of 246 wildlife species as a non-bailable offence, expanding a provision that is currently applied only to the killing of tigers and elephants.

The environment, forest and climate change ministry has recently drafted an ordinance for the conservation and security of wildlife, also defining cruelty against animals.

The draft ordinance, once approved, will replace the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012.

Wildlife experts have welcomed the move but strongly emphasised the need for its proper implementation.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the environment, forest and climate change, and water resources ministries, recently told New Age, ‘The law is being updated to curb ongoing crimes against wildlife and to ensure their survival in the future, so that the next elected government does not undo these changes.’

The ministry completed receiving public opinions on the draft on November 20 and is now processing the document for vetting.

According to the draft, hunting 246 scheduled animals and birds, including 66 mammals such as tiger, elephant, fishing cat, Asiatic black bear, civet and dolphin; 106 bird species; 44 reptiles including crocodile and turtle; and 29 amphibians including Indian bullfrog and whale shark, would be considered a non-bailable offence.

Under the draft law, hunting tigers and elephants would be punishable with a minimum of two and a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment, or a fine of Tk 1–10 lakh, or both. Anyone who would repeat the offence would face 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 15 lakh.

Hunting any of the other 244 scheduled animals would be punished with three to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 3–5 lakh.

The draft also designates any harmful activity within sanctuaries and national parks as a non-bailable offence.

These harmful activities include illegal trespassing, picnicking, cultivation, industrial activities, destruction of wildlife habitats and wetlands, introduction of exotic, alien or invasive species, releasing domestic animals for foraging, dumping hazardous materials, and extraction of minerals.

Currently, the country has 27 wildlife and wetland-dependent animal sanctuaries, including those in the east and west Sundarban, and 19 national parks, including Bhawal National Park in Gazipur and Nijhum Dwip National Park in Noakhali.

The draft further defines cruelty against wildlife.

According to the draft, punishable offences include beating wildlife, harassing them, blindfolding them, detaining them unnecessarily, intimidating them, causing distress during transport, killing them using electric fencing, and posting videos of cruelty against wildlife on social media.

Anyone who would commit these offences would face one to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 1–2 lakh.

Praising the updating of the law, wildlife expert Professor M Monirul H Khan stressed the need for its enforcement for survival of the wildlife in the future.

Monirul, a zoology teacher at Jahangirnagar University, said, ‘Even under the existing law, killing wildlife is a punishable offence, yet they are being killed frequently. The law is not being properly enforced.’

According to Forest Department data, since the enactment of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act in 2012, 332 cases have been lodged and around 260 people have been punished with short-term imprisonment or fines by mobile courts until June 2025.

Noting that the pace of enforcement is inadequate, wildlife experts have long been demanding exemplary punishment for wildlife crime perpetrators.​

If people puts a collective effort, A community, village, city or nation can be made very beautiful. BD should try hard to make BD more livable and beautiful. Like what sadguru had said, I tried to plant trees in the mind of people for a long long time. They are now being, transplanted on soil. After the clean India moment of Modi ji, India has become clean. Lots of children, who happened to die because of cholera are not dying because of batter hygine. Plant more trees, do water harvesting, improve soil quality, focus on recycling, BD can make a real progress.

 

[Saif]

Bay of Bengal’s slow death threatens our future

Marine fish populations have plummeted at a rate scientists describe as catastrophic.

www.thedailystar.net

Bay of Bengal’s slow death threatens our future

Allowing illegal trawlers to operate, letting industrial vessels destroy sea beds, and ignoring scientific warnings will only lead to the Bay of Bengal's slow death. FILE PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

Bangladesh woke up this week to one of the most alarming environmental findings in its recent history. According to a report in The Daily Star, marine fish populations inside the country's exclusive economic zone in the Bay of Bengal have plummeted at a rate scientists describe as catastrophic. In just seven years, nearly four-fifths of the bay's fish that live in the pelagic zone—neither close to the sea-bed nor the shore—have vanished. This is not a routine decline. It is a collapse—rapid, severe, and potentially irreversible.

To grasp the magnitude of this collapse, consider that global fisheries scientists sound alarms when stocks fall by 30 to 40 percent. A 50 percent decline signals a crisis. But an 80 percent drop in less than a decade suggests a system on the edge of ecological failure. Collapses of this speed and scale have devastated fisheries in Canada's Newfoundland, the United States's California, and Peru in South America—regions where recovery took decades and, in some cases, never fully occurred. Bangladesh is now facing a similar possibility, and the consequences will be far-reaching if urgent action is not taken.

The news report attributes the collapse to several causes: overfishing, illegal fishing, and destructive fishing practices. These represent real, daily patterns of exploitation that have pushed the bay to exhaustion. Industrial trawlers—both legal and illegal—scrape the seabed with gear that destroys marine habitats, kills juvenile fish, and leaves entire zones barren. Many vessels routinely under-report their catch, operate in restricted zones, or violate seasonal bans. Meanwhile, small-scale artisanal fishermen, who are the backbone of coastal economies, are now forced into deeper and more dangerous waters because nearshore fish have been depleted.

Bangladesh's regulatory framework is simply not equipped to handle this level of pressure. The country authorises far more industrial trawlers than its marine ecology can sustain. Monitoring is inadequate. Enforcement is sporadic. Coast guard resources are overstretched. Illegal operators often escape accountability through political protection or bribery. Scientific research capacity remains thin, leaving policymakers without accurate stock assessments or long-term ecological modelling.

The collapse in fish stock will not only affect marine biodiversity; it will shake the foundations of national nutrition and coastal economies. Marine fish supply makes up nearly 15 percent of Bangladesh's total animal protein intake. A sharp decline will raise food insecurity, increase protein deficiency, and widen nutritional inequality. For crores of coastal residents—from fishers and boatmen to traders, processors, and transport workers—marine fisheries are the primary source of income. A collapse in marine stocks means declining catch, lower earnings, rising debt, and a slide into deeper destitution. Coastal districts, already battered by cyclones, erosion, and salinity, will face additional economic hardship.

There is also a geopolitical dimension. As fish stocks decline, cross-border tensions over marine resources in the bay may intensify. Countries around the Bay of Bengal—India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka—are also grappling with declining fish populations. Competition for dwindling resources often leads to arrests of fishermen, maritime disputes, and escalations that strain diplomatic relations. Bangladesh cannot afford to let ecological collapse feed into geopolitical instability.

The nutritional consequences are equally serious. Bangladesh is already dealing with rising food inflation, reduced dietary diversity, and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases linked to a poor diet. Marine fish—comparatively affordable, accessible, and protein-rich—have long been a nutritional anchor for the poor. When fish disappear, households will be forced to shift to inferior protein sources or go without, accelerating hidden hunger, childhood stunting, and micronutrient deficiency.

This crisis reflects decades of policy neglect, political interference, weak enforcement, and an absence of a long-term vision for marine governance. Bangladesh possesses marine laws on paper, but laws do not protect oceans—institutions do. Without sustained political commitment, transparency, and science-based decision-making, no legal framework can prevent ecological collapse.

Two options are open for Bangladesh. The first is the continuation of the status quo, a path of slow death for the bay: allowing illegal trawlers to operate, letting industrial vessels destroy sea beds, ignoring scientific warnings and pretending that fish stocks will replenish themselves. If Bangladesh chooses this path, the collapse will deepen, and the bay may reach a point where recovery becomes impossible within a generation. The poor will suffer first and most, but eventually, urban consumers, national nutrition, and geopolitical stability will also be affected.

The other path is one of urgent recovery that demands political courage and institutional reform. First, Bangladesh must dramatically reduce the number of industrial trawlers. Many countries have implemented trawler buy-back programmes to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems; Bangladesh may need to consider similar policies. Second, enforcement must be strengthened, with modern vessel-tracking systems, real-time monitoring, and a fully empowered coast guard. Third, scientifically guided seasonal bans and no-take zones must be enforced without exception. Breeding grounds and nursery habitats have to be protected if the bay is to heal.

Fourth, Bangladesh must invest in marine science. The country needs updated stock assessments, habitat mapping, and ecosystem modelling to craft policies based on evidence rather than intuition. Finally, coastal communities must be supported with alternative livelihoods—aquaculture, eco-tourism, value-added fish processing—so that conservation does not come at the expense of human survival. In all of this, timing is crucial. The window for action is narrowing quickly.

Bangladesh has shown resilience in many areas of national life. Whether that resilience can be reactivated—decisively, intelligently, and urgently—will determine not only the future of the ocean but the future of crores of people who depend on it. The Bay of Bengal is a living asset, not an inexhaustible warehouse. Once its life collapses, no policy can bring it back quickly.

This generation has a choice to make. It can allow the bay to die slowly, its fishery wealth drained by neglect and exploitation; or it can act decisively by protecting, restoring, and managing the ocean with the seriousness the crisis demands.

Dr Abdullah A Dewan is professor emeritus of economics at Eastern Michigan University in the US and a former physicist and nuclear engineer of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.​

 

[Saif]

‘Air pollution does not discriminate; it impacts everyone’

At the household level, many families still lack access to clean cooking energy.

www.thedailystar.net

‘Air pollution does not discriminate; it impacts everyone’

Pema Gyamtsho

Pema Gyamtsho, director general of Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), shared his views with Porimol Palma of The Daily Star on the challenges and potential solutions to air pollution during a workshop in Nepal in late November.

According to a Lancet report this year, Bangladesh recorded 225,000 deaths linked to air pollution in 2022. The situation is similar in other South Asian countries. Could you tell us more about this?

We cannot attribute all deaths directly to air pollution because it is not like someone shooting another person. Air pollution kills gradually, often in combination with other factors. However, it is one of the leading causes of mortality, including premature deaths. In South Asia—one of the most polluted regions in the world—air pollution is a major cause of premature deaths and illnesses such as tuberculosis, cancer, and more. It also impacts quality of life; people with respiratory diseases suffer constantly. Statistics from Nepal indicate that air pollution reduces the average life expectancy by three to four years. This is likely true for many countries in the region.

Air pollution also creates social and psychological impacts—schools close, children remain indoors, flights are disrupted, tourism declines, and businesses sometimes shut down because people cannot go outside. Seasonal pollution from wildfires and the burning of crop residue can be severe and cause major economic damage. Pollution also harms agriculture; plants covered in dust or black carbon cannot photosynthesise properly.

What are the main causes of air pollution in this region?

At the household level, many families still lack access to clean cooking energy. They burn firewood, biomass, or even dried dung, especially at high altitudes. Indoor cooking is a major problem, with many remote homes having poor ventilation. In urban centres such as Kathmandu, Delhi, Dhaka, and Karachi, the transport sector is a significant contributor, particularly through fossil fuel use. Industries, including brick kilns and cement factories, emit large quantities of fine particulate matter like PM2.5. Workers in these sectors are among the most vulnerable. Wildfires, whether deliberate or accidental, particularly in March and April, also significantly degrade air quality. These are some of the principal causes.

Many of these factors are related to the economy. We cannot shut down industries or transport immediately. Where can we begin?

It's true, we cannot halt these overnight, but we must find ways to address them. Some issues are behavioural. For example, people still burn rubbish even when waste collection services are available. These practices can be changed. There is a significant shift towards electric vehicles, but we need to go further. Cities like Kathmandu and Dhaka should prioritise developing public transport systems, such as electric buses or trams. Individual electric vehicles alone will eventually congest roads. Countries like Nepal and Bhutan have abundant hydropower and should invest in clean, mass transit options. Electricity is available for clean cooking, but cost remains a challenge for poor households. Governments must prioritise subsidising clean cooking technologies; many still rely on kerosene or other fossil fuels. Public transport subsidies, cleaner industrial technologies, and affordable solutions are vital. Technology exists—in Nepal and Pakistan, brick kilns have successfully been converted to ZigZag technology, reducing black carbon emissions by around 60 percent and carbon dioxide by about 50 percent. Bangladesh is also promoting this. We need to expand these initiatives.

Pollution is transboundary. For example, polluted air blows from Punjab and Lahore into Bangladesh. How should we address this?

Many pollution sources are not local; emissions drift across borders. We need an airshed approach, similar to a watershed approach. An airshed is the shared airspace linking emission sources to their final sinks across regions. That's why we are working across the Indo-Gangetic plains, Himalayas, and foothills, bringing together Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan for real-time data sharing. We need standardised monitoring, measurement, and modelling systems so that data collected in Kathmandu can be understood in Bhutan or Bangladesh. Our monitoring working group, starting in 2022, is developing this capacity.

What progress have you made over the past two years?

We have made significant progress. The first step was recognising that air pollution requires a regional, transboundary approach because air does not respect borders. In December 2022, we held a stock-taking conference with reports from all countries and developed the Kathmandu Roadmap for Air Quality Improvement, supported by the World Bank and other partners, such as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). We identified key stakeholders and shared best practices. In 2023, in Thimphu, Bhutan, we held the second science and policy dialogue, involving banks and the private sector. One key recommendation was to include finance in the strategy. Now, we have a science, policy, and finance dialogue, and three thematic working groups focused on monitoring, solutions, and investment. We are also planning a fourth group on communication to connect all stakeholders.

Cooperation at the regional level often faces fragmentation. How do you see this cooperation evolving?

We must be opportunistic. Air quality is one of the least politically contentious issues in the region. Everyone recognises its profound impact on health, environment, climate, and economy. This consensus provides a strong foundation for cooperation. Scientists are already collaborating, and policy officials are engaging as well. The next step is political commitment, but progress is steady.

What is your key message for politicians?

Air pollution does not discriminate; it impacts everyone. It's a critical issue that must be tackled collectively. Strengthening regional cooperation is essential.

What role can developed countries play?

First, we must help ourselves. If developed countries see us taking action, they are more likely to support us. Waiting passively for aid won't lead anywhere. Countries like India and China are investing heavily in renewable energy and electric mobility. Nepal has one of the highest per-capita electric vehicle use, and Bhutan and Nepal are rich in hydropower. These examples reflect commitment. Historically, developed nations have moved many polluting industries to our region, cleaning up their own backyards. Now, they need to support us in cleaning ours. This isn't begging—it's justified. Their support should focus on technology transfer, affordable clean technologies, targeted investments linked to emission reductions, and measurable outcomes. We must demonstrate our own commitment and provide evidence of progress.

You emphasise communication. How can the media contribute?

We want the media to be a key partner. Scientific data needs to be translated into policy, practice, and public awareness. Journalists can communicate in local languages and accessible formats. The media should act as a bridge between science, policy, and communities. That's why I propose including communication as a key pillar in the dialogue on air pollution.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh needs nearly $150bn in climate finance by 2050

Bangladesh requires approximately $146.81 billion as total climate finance until 2050, while the total adaptation finance needs will be $86.04 billion. On the other hand, $60.77 billion will be required to address the total mitigation needs (2021-2030), says a new report explaining Bangladesh&rsquo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh needs nearly $150bn in climate finance by 2050

UNB
Published :
Dec 08, 2025 22:32
Updated :
Dec 09, 2025 01:42

Bangladesh requires approximately $146.81 billion as total climate finance until 2050, while the total adaptation finance needs will be $86.04 billion. On the other hand, $60.77 billion will be required to address the total mitigation needs (2021-2030), says a new report explaining Bangladesh’s climate finance requirements.

The report titled “Climate Finance Synthesis Report: Needs, Flows and Gaps in the HKH countries” was released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region faces escalating climate risks, including glacial melt, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events, posing severe threats to ecosystems, livelihoods, and the well-being of billions dependent on its resources.

Bangladesh has a substantial 59% funding gap, despite a high level of commitment, underscoring the significant need for increased disbursement rates, said the report seen by UNB.

Delivery on multilateral funding for adaptation and mitigation has fallen short, to less than 0.30% of the multilateral commitment.

Bangladesh received flows for energy, transport, and cross cutting sector 55%, 47%, and 61% respectively (with the gap of 45%, 39%, and 55%).

The bilateral has been better for Bangladesh in term of adaptation and mitigation, energy sector, transport, and cross cutting as it received 72%, 67%, 52% and 173% (with the average gap of 36%).

The fund flows on both cases (multilateral and bilateral) were channeled through a mix of instruments including ODA loans, ODA grants and non-export credits

This synthesis report by ICIMOD assessed climate finance needs, current financial flows, and gaps across HKH countries, highlighting significant funding shortfalls and uneven distribution.

The report estimated the HKH region requires approximately USD 12.065 trillion from 2020 to 2050 for climate mitigation and adaptation, amounting to an annual average of USD 768.68 billion.

China and India represent over 92.41% of these needs, while Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Pakistan face critical financing gaps relative to their GDPs, underscoring their heightened vulnerability (UNEP, 2023).

Globally, climate finance flows reached approximately USD 1.3 trillion annually in 2021/2022 (CPI, 2023), predominantly directed toward mitigation activities in developed and larger emerging economies.

In contrast, the HKH region receives significantly lower shares, with multilateral and bilateral climate finance frequently failing to meet committed levels.

Sectors crucial to the region, such as adaptation, agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction, remain significantly underfunded despite their critical importance.

Limited private sector engagement, insufficient institutional capacity, a fragmented policy landscape, and weak data infrastructure further compound these challenges.

To bridge these finance gaps, the report recommends enhancing regional and global advocacy for HKH-specific climate funding, strengthening national and regional climate finance strategies, improving policy coherence, and developing robust financial mechanisms and innovative market-based instruments.

Specific recommendations include: Building strong national institutional capacities and governance frameworks to manage and mobilize climate finance effectively; establishing an HKH Climate Finance Network to facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaborative regional financing efforts; leveraging innovative financial instruments, such as green and blue bonds, debt-for-climate swaps, and voluntary carbon markets, tailored specifically for mountain economies; enhancing private sector engagement through improved enabling policies, incentives, and creation of bankable projects; improving data infrastructure, climate risk assessments, and reporting systems to attract investments and enhance accountability; urgent collective action and targeted financial investment in the HKH region are critical for building climate resilience, safeguarding ecosystems, and supporting sustainable development for current and future generations.

Recommendations for Bangladesh

Consolidate and Deepen Climate Budget and Reporting: Leverage further development on budget tagging, reporting, and transparency, e-tagging, audit-trailed MRV platforms, and integrated dashboards. Strengthen central mechanisms to pool domestic and external funds, standardize reporting, and tag budget ceilings and green procurement.

Mobilize Innovative Finance: Strengthen Bangladesh Climate Finance Facility to mobilise public, private, and international capital. Scale blended finance instruments, challenge funds, and thematic bonds to crowd in private investment.

Expand Private Investment: Provide concessional credit and incentives for industries to adopt low-carbon technologies. De-risk private investments in renewable energy, resilient agriculture, and coastal adaptation through public guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms.

Harmonize Climate Finance: Operationalize the National Adaptation Investment Framework as the central coordination platform. Integrate carbon finance strategy to enable offsets and emission-reduction credits for garments, steel, energy, and other high-impact sectors.

Strengthen Climate Resilience: Channel resources to coastal and flood-prone regions, including embankment reinforcement, climate-resilient housing, salinity-resistant crops, and mangrove restoration. Develop carbon-linked agri-finance and insurance pools to protect farmers, households, and MSMEs.

Expand and Diversify Climate Finance Sources: Strengthen disaster risk reduction and local adaptive capacity by broadening instruments such as forecast-based financing, microinsurance, and community resilience grants.​

 

[Saif]

Financing a green revolution in Bangladesh

A new-world order—one described by increasing numbers of economists as the climate economy—is arising. Rather than being fueled by smoke and coal, it will be propelled by clean energies, climate-resilient infrastructure, clean technologies, and sustainable finance. In reaction to global

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Financing a green revolution in Bangladesh

Serajul I Bhuiyan
Published :
Dec 11, 2025 23:15
Updated :
Dec 12, 2025 00:07

A new-world order—one described by increasing numbers of economists as the climate economy—is arising. Rather than being fueled by smoke and coal, it will be propelled by clean energies, climate-resilient infrastructure, clean technologies, and sustainable finance. In reaction to global changes brought about by reduced-carbon manufacturing from developed and developing countries, trillions of dollars have started to be redirected towards such clean pursuits, opening up brand-new avenues for smart players.

The question posed to Bangladesh is direct yet difficult to define: shall we be reactive holders of climate disruption’s passport to their new planet? Shall we now instead stand tall as active builders of their cleaner, sharper, and strong economy?

Bangladesh Cannot Lag Behind:

At COP28, conducted in Dubai, leaders worldwide were united in their strong message to the world about transitioning from fossil fuels quickly, and this must be just and irreversible. The message did not just represent symbolic language. Rather, it signifies a global shift in economics, which stands to be the biggest seismic shift in global energy policy since the Industrial Revolution.

In Bangladesh’s case, it’s do or die. Experts have warned that 28 per cent of land in Bangladesh may be inundated due to sea-level rise by 2050. Climate change displacement of population from the coast to other areas in Bangladesh has already started. The loss to Bangladesh’s economy from climate change events every year can be estimated in terms of billions of dollars. The World Bank even warns about reduction in Bangladesh’s GDP by as much as 9 per cent by 2050 if it’s not properly managed.

However, actions on climate change do not solely serve environmental goals.

It is now “the most strategic economic decision of our time.”

Nations that pursue the climate economy will be driving forces in the global economy of the future. Nations that do not pursue it will be unable to recover. Bangladesh cannot be one of the latter.

COP28 Commitments: During COP28, Bangladesh reiterated four major elements of its commitments to be followed as part of its climate strategies.

Fast-Tracking Growth in Renewable Energy. Bangladesh committed to increasing the use of renewable sources to 40 per cent by 2041. Setting such goals is not only very ambitious but also imperative. Our overdependence on imports from global LNG sources and fossil fuels makes us vulnerable to fluctuations in global market prices and depletes our foreign exchange reserves; it simply isn’t sustainable for such a rapidly growing economy. The development of home-based solar power stations, large solar power stations, floating solar power stations on our reservoirs, and harnessing wind power from the Bay of Bengal can make such challenges less threatening to us.

Climate Change Adaptation & Loss & Damage Financing.

Bangladesh has always been a moral driving force in the global climate justice community. The loss and damage fund’s operationalisation at COP28 is one of the biggest triumphs for developing countries. Nevertheless, to be able to tap into these resources, developing countries must have strong institutions to ensure credibility in financial institutions and transparency in project pipeline development. Otherwise, we can lose precious financial assistance meant for the worst-hit nations like Bangladesh.

Carbon Market Involvement. Under commitments towards Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Bangladesh is set to join global carbon trading markets soon. It definitely holds great promise if implemented properly and can usher in completely new sources of revenue. Regions like Asia and Africa have already raked in several hundred million dollars from carbon trading transactions involving high-quality carbon credits. Our own sources of renewable power generation, reforestation efforts, and methane reduction make us a potent player in this new market.

Private Sector Engagement. The government repeatedly stated that climate-resilient and smart growth cannot be accomplished just by public expenditure. The private sector must have a prime role to play here, not in lip service to CSR but in down-to-earth ESG investing. The global market starts favoring enterprises that make ESG considerations their integral part of business. In export-driven Bangladesh, it’s mandatory to make adjustments to survive in carbon-taxed global markets such as the EU. These commitments form a very sound blueprint. The challenge now would be to finance them.

The Growing Trend of Green Finance Instruments: The climate economy essentially constitutes a financial economy. Ambitious intentions would be mere words if they lacked financial backing. The positive part of this situation is that global green finance is rapidly witnessing historic growth. In 2023 alone, global issuance of sustainable bonds reached US$ 1.7 trillion. The carbon market is expected to reach US$ 250 billion by 2050. ESG assets would cross US$ 50 trillion by the end of this decade.

A role for Bangladesh must be carved out in this constantly changing global environment.

Climate Bonds. Climate bonds have proved to be one of the most potent financial instruments to finance large-scale climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The climate bonds invest finances solely in such initiatives as renewable power plants, climate-resilient roads, coast protection systems, recycling plants for waste materials, water purification plants, and transport systems.

Bangladesh has already started this by issuing guidelines for green bonds in Bangladesh Bank. However, it’s not large in scale to fulfill national requirements. Other nations such as Indonesia, India, and Chile have showcased their capabilities in aggressive climate bonds. Indonesia alone has succeeded in issuing over USD 1.25 billion of its sovereign green sukuk. India has tapped green bonds to the tune of US$ 6 billion to promote clean energy development. Chile, a pioneer internationally in climate finance, utilized green sovereign bonds to shift its energy structure.

Bangladesh can follow this tiered structure by issuing sovereign green bonds for resilience efforts, enabling large cities to issue municipal green bonds, and exploring corporate green bonds to be issued by industries to fund cleaner production lines and greener supply chains. If such initiatives occur with transparency and reliable data related to climate change, Bangladesh will be able to mobilise investment from global institutions to the tune of several billion dollars.

Carbon Credits. Carbon credits stand among the most promising yet not fully explored opportunities for Bangladesh. Carbon credits provide nations and organizations with avenues to earn money by saving emissions either via avoided deforestation, Solar Home Systems, Biogas Digester, Efficient Brick Kilns, Waste-to-Energy Plants, and Methane-Rich Rice Production techniques.

The potential in Bangladesh is broad. Projects such as the Sundarbans, one of the biggest mangrove forests in the world, have high blue carbon credits. Cook stove projects can cut emissions from households while improving public health. Municipal landfill methane digester projects can turn pure trash to profit.

To fully capitalise on such opportunities, Bangladesh must first construct their national carbon registry and build strong monitoring verification systems (MRV). They must also work in collaboration with worldwide carbon market experts to ensure development of high quality credits to sell to other countries. If such structures and capacity were in place, carbon credits would realistically be one of their greatest export commodities.

Renewable Energy Investments. Every year, it spends several billion dollars on imports of fossil fuels; this will be further threatened by global carbon taxes. Depending on renewable sources of energy must not only be a function of its environment; there must be security considerations.

The opportunities here are varied and promising. Solar power stations in northern districts, floating solar plants over Kaptai Lake, wind farms off the coast of Cox’s Bazar, and solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers can drastically change our energy scenario. Biogas plants can provide clean fuel to rural dwellers and minimize their dependence on wood and charcoal. Waste-to-energy solutions can stem the tide of wastage in cities and provide power to households.

The Bangladesh government will have to depend not only on public-private partnerships but also mobilise climate finance and encourage private investments following ESG criteria while increasing Green Micro Finance for rural households. Only then will renewable energy projects prove to be financially viable and resilient to risks.

ESG Integration and Profitability Alignment. The current global business environment faces a major shift where organisations failing to prove ESG compliance are losing their competitiveness in the market, while organizations embracing sustainability principles succeed.

The private sector in Bangladesh, especially export-oriented companies, must embed ESG considerations into their business strategies. Consumers in developed countries have become aware of the carbon footprint associated with their products. Investors provide cheaper capital to companies embracing sustainability. Regulatory bodies like the European Union have implemented penalties for carbon-intensive imports via the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

For Bangladesh, this implies ESG considerations in business decisions aren’t ethical imperatives but business necessities.

The RMG industry has demonstrated what can be achieved. Today, Bangladesh has the maximum number of “green” factories in the global RMG industry. The country already possesses “LEED-certified factories” that not only use less power and water but also provide “higher quality” products. The “green” factories have ensured long-term contracts from buyers along with maximum “price premiums.” Changes like these need to happen in such industries as pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, steel, cement, shipyard, and food.

ESG and profitability aren’t necessarily synonymous. They’re becoming synonymous.

Investing in Climate-Smart Agriculture.

The agriculture sector in Bangladesh, whose performance ensures food security for the nation, faces extreme climate-related risks. Heat stress, salinity intrusion, fluctuating rainfall, pests, and rising water levels pose current risks to crops. The adoption of climate-resilient agriculture practices is thus very critical. This would encompass increasing awareness about salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant crops, expanding drip irrigation methods which essentially save water, implementing solar-powered cold storage to prevent post-harvest loss of foodstuffs, and increasing awareness about climate-resilient fishery systems which can sustain water salinity variations. The adoption of regenerative agriculture and vertical farming would provide key alternatives in densely populated cities.

Financing such a transition would need to be accomplished either by green microfinance services developed specifically to service farmers, additional agro-tech venture capital to finance innovations, climate-risk insurance to safeguard farmers from disasters, and public-private-partnership models used to fund rural renewable energy installations. A climate-resilient agri-value chain would be critical to food security.

Institutional Reforms: To effectively tap into green financing in Bangladesh, there must be some major institutional changes. The creation of Bangladesh Climate Finance Authority would help these institutions be controlled and coordinated from a central location by the government of Bangladesh. Enhancing climate change disclosure would ensure transparency in their carbon footprint management, their use of energy, water management systems, their treatment of wastes, and their governance structures.

The creation of a national green taxonomy would serve as a guide to ensure what constitutes a green investment, thus combating issues related to greenwashing. The development of human capital by creating training initiatives for climate analysts, carbon auditors, engineers, economists, and renewable energy technicians would ensure the human resource needed for implementing climate initiatives. The last area to be discussed would be to ensure greater promotion of green banking.

Green growth matters to Bangladesh. Green growth is not something fashionable in Western culture and brought to Bangladesh for adoption. Rather, it represents a source of survival for Bangladesh as far as economy is concerned. The country’s leaders in green expenditure will control worldwide trade in the coming tomorrow. The cost of failure to act will be increased export restrictions.

Bangladesh can be a powerhouse in solar and wind energy in South Asia. The Industries of Bangladesh can be global leaders in ‘Sustainable Manufacturing.’ The agriculture of Bangladesh can be ‘Agro-Ready to Extreme Climate Changes.’ The cities of Bangladesh can be ‘Smart & Livable.’ The economy of Bangladesh can be ‘eco-friendly and Thriving.’

The choices we make in this present era determine the fate of tomorrow’s generation.

A Call to Vision: Bangladesh has proven repeatedly that it can defy expectations whether through poverty reduction, rapid industrialization, women’s empowerment, or export success. The next frontier is green competitiveness. The tools exist. The capital exists. The ambition exists.

What remains is a collective commitment to green transformation is a recognition that the economic future of Bangladesh and the ecological future of Bangladesh are inseparable.

Green growth is not merely an agenda item. It is the only viable direction for our national development. It is our opportunity. It is our responsibility. It is our future.

Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan is a professor and former chair of journalism and mass communications at Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA.​

 

[Saif]

Can we harness faith to protect the environment?

While we cannot control tectonic plates, we are not helpless in the face of climate degradation.

www.thedailystar.net

Can we harness faith to protect the environment?

FILE ILLUSTRATION: ANWAR SOHEL

The recent tremors in Bangladesh have reminded us of an uncomfortable truth that we remain profoundly vulnerable to forces beyond human control. Although this time the quakes caused no significant destruction, they raised concerns about the potential for a more severe one with dire consequences. But a less dramatic, far more enduring threat continues to unfold around us: the accelerating deterioration of the environment.

Unlike an earthquake, which strikes suddenly and causes immediate damage, environmental deterioration unfolds gradually and attracts far less attention despite its lasting consequences. In a recent study titled "The Future Climate of Bangladesh," the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, together with the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, predicted that Bangladesh is likely to experience more intense heatwaves and heavier monsoon rainfall in the coming decades. The average temperature is projected to rise by 1-2 degrees Celsius by mid-century and by 1.5-4.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. Winter may nearly disappear, reduced to a brief cold spell lasting only a day or two in many parts of the country. Monsoon rainfall is expected to increase by up to 15 percent, particularly in the northern districts. These changes will intensify flooding and heat stress, posing serious threats across various sectors and further worsening pre-existing vulnerabilities. Agriculture, water resources, climate-sensitive livelihoods, public health, social well-being, and the broader economy are all at heightened risk. Combined with worsening air pollution, the environmental risks facing Bangladesh are undeniably alarming.

This vulnerability did not emerge in isolation. It is the cumulative outcome of countless economic, behavioural, and ethical choices, each carrying profound implications for a densely populated nation like ours. Beneath these choices lies an economic logic rooted in self-interest, as humans tend to prioritise short-term personal satisfaction even when such decisions jeopardise the future. Behavioural dynamics show that human beings naturally discount the future, favouring immediate gratification over long-term well-being. These impulses, resulting in irrational and excessive use of resources, have pushed the planet towards severe and, in some cases, irreversible environmental degradation. These tendencies are evident worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. We are now living with the consequences, yet these destructive behaviours continue.

In this moment of reckoning, Islamic economics offers an ethical lens that is profoundly relevant, especially for a Muslim-majority nation like Bangladesh. In this moral economy, doing good for others becomes a form of enlightened self-interest, as divine rewards are promised for acts of generosity. If properly channelled, this can transform social responsibility from a voluntary virtue into both a moral obligation and a practical pathway towards collective well-being. Islamic teachings also articulate a hierarchy of needs—necessities, complementary needs, and refinements—mirroring contemporary resource economics by urging societies to prioritise essential uses over extravagant or discretionary consumption. These values also resonate with modern sustainability principles, including responsible consumption, intergenerational equity, and environmental justice.

Together, these foundations form a coherent economic ethos that Bangladesh can embed in its development pathway. Encouragingly, several Muslim-majority nations are already demonstrating how Islamic finance can support environmental sustainability. Malaysia's Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk Framework directs investment towards projects aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including initiatives such as green building development, afforestation programmes, and low-carbon transportation systems. Its waqf-solar initiatives use dedicated waqf land for renewable energy generation, while Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are increasingly incorporated into halal certification.

Oman is harnessing waqf resources to install solar systems that help mosques operate as energy-efficient buildings. Indonesia has pioneered green sukuk to fund renewable energy, watershed protection, and overall infrastructure requirements for climate adaptation. Its Eco-Mosque programme promotes solar power and sustainable waste management systems. In fact, the Indonesian Ulema Council has issued a fatwa declaring any human activity that degrades natural ecosystems or worsens the climate crisis as haram (prohibited). Across the UAE, anti-food-waste campaigns draw directly on Quranic guidance, while Jordan and Saudi Arabia have revived the traditional "hima" system for nature conservation. Moroccan mosques promote water conservation and environmentally responsible practices, using their religious influence to shape social norms. Zakat institutions in several countries now regularly allocate funds for climate adaptation and disaster resilience. These examples demonstrate that Islamic values can be effectively translated into policy, community action, and financial innovation, providing a coherent framework for sustainability grounded in faith.

While we cannot control tectonic plates, we are not helpless in the face of climate degradation. A renewed awakening to religion-guided ethical values among devotees can help reshape economic behaviour in ways that protect both society and the environment. Such an approach offers a credible pathway towards sustainability for present and future generations. That said, no system, Islamic or otherwise, can succeed without collective commitment. With greater awareness, shared responsibility, and positive social encouragement, our collective willingness to act can become a powerful force for meaningful change.

Mezbah Uddin Ahmed is a research fellow at the ISRA Institute of INCEIF University in Malaysia.

NM Baki Billah is a PhD researcher at the School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia.​

 

[Saif]

Badsha Mia: 20 years of tree planting for ‘A Handful of Oxygen’

As recognition for his work, Badsha was awarded by the Upazila administration at the tree fair on 27 October last year. Upazila Executive Officer Khadija Begum said that such commendable initiatives are being encouraged to further motivate him. His son, Milon Mia, said he feels proud of his...

en.prothomalo.com

Badsha Mia: 20 years of tree planting for ‘A Handful of Oxygen’
Rahidul Islam Rangpur
Published: 26 Oct 2025, 08: 52

Day labourer Badshah Mia who has planted around 30,000 trees in 20 years Prothom Alo

Shanerhat Bazar, a large market in a remote village, required some searching to find a man named Badsha Mia. After asking around from shop to shop, a shopkeeper named Monirul recognised him and asked in return to be sure, “Are you looking for Badsha, the friend of trees?”

Upon getting an affirmative reply, Monirul pointed to a mango tree in the mosque yard of the market and said it was planted by Badsha Mia. Describing how Badsha treats his planted trees like his own children, Monirul said he had seen how lovingly Badsha nurtured that mango tree. Whenever he comes to the market, he touches the tree affectionately.

Badsha Mia lives in Mesta village under Shanerhat union, about 15 kilometres from Pirganj upazila headquarters in Rangpur. Locals affectionately call him “Tree Friend Badsha.” Though he works as a day labourer, his passion lies in planting trees. For the past 20 years, he has been planting saplings with his own money along roadsides, in markets and village squares, near Eidgahs, mosques, and school grounds. People in the area now enjoy the fruits of the trees he planted, while travellers find comfort and shade beneath them.

Mesta village resident and union parishad member Mofazzal Hossain said many in the area used to mock Badsha, calling him “mad.” He added that Badsha never stopped despite the taunts, always explaining the benefits of planting trees. Now, everyone is reaping the rewards of what they once called his madness.

A paved road runs through the middle of the cultivated fields in Mesta village, connecting Shanerhat and Bordaorga. Rows of fruit trees line both sides of the road.

On 27 September, following that path to Badsha’s house was a delight. After walking along the long tree-lined route, there is a semi-pucca tin-shed house, with vegetables, fruit, and flowering plants on either side. However, no one was at home.

To find Badsha, this correspondent went to Shanerhat market, where he was buying saplings to plant by the roadside. Upon learning we were journalists, he led us to the Bordaorga–Shanerhat road and showed his trees planted across a two-kilometre stretch. Sitting on a bamboo bench he had installed himself under one of the trees, he shared the story of his tree-planting journey.

Badsha Mia, the son of a farmer, could not continue his studies due to financial hardship. At the age of seven, he started herding goats and cattle in the fields. As he grew older, he took up daily wage labour. He has a son and a daughter and owns no agricultural land. His house stands on four decimals of land.

Locals say that for nearly 10 years, every Friday, 72-year-old Badsha Mia sets out on his bicycle carrying saplings. After attending Friday prayers at any mosque in the union, he educates people about the benefits of trees and encourages them to plant saplings, often gifting them to promote tree planting.

Unable to buy fruit, he turns to tree planting

One afternoon in November 2004, Badsha was sitting by the roadside near his house with his two children, Milon Mia and Lovely Akhtar. A trader was passing by that road, carrying mangoes and jackfruits to the market. Seeing this, his children asked him for some fruit.

Unable to buy fruit for them due to financial constraints, Badsha felt deep sorrow. Thinking about his own children, he also remembered the children of poor neighbours. At that moment, he felt he had to do something for them. It was then that he decided to start planting fruit trees.

In July of the following year, he planted 50 mango and jackfruit trees along the Shanerhat–Bordarga road. Badsha Mia said that after planting 150 trees over two to three months, he ran into a financial crisis. He could not afford the stakes to support the trees. In the end, he sold his daughter’s gold earring to buy the stakes. After discussing with his wife, he decided that one-fourth of the money he earned from daily labour would be spent on planting trees. His wife, Minara Begum, has always encouraged him in this effort.

Shanerhat union parishad chairman Meshbahur Rahman said that by planting trees along government roads, Badsha Mia is putting fruit on the plates of poor people. He has also installed bamboo benches under the trees for passersby to rest. There is no doubt that his initiative deserves praise.

Initial resistance, now recognition

Badsha recalls with sadness that in the beginning, while planting saplings along the roadside, he faced resistance from people. In 2005, the owners of the land beside the road uprooted the trees he had planted. When he protested, he was even beaten and thrown onto the road. Because of this, he had stopped everything with a heavy heart.

But he could not stay idle for long. After 2006, he resumed with renewed vigour and has never stopped since. Now, at the age of 72, carrying the slogan ‘Not a handful of rice, but a handful of oxygen,’ he continues planting trees. His efforts extend beyond his own village to at least 15 neighbouring villages, including Hajipur, Sokipur, Swadpur, Shantipur, Nirajpur, Bajatpur, and Parbatipur, where he has planted various fruit trees. According to him, he has so far planted over 30,000 trees, including mango, black berry, jackfruit, lychee, guava, coconut and date palm. The trees planted around 2006 or 2007 have now grown large.

Rezaul Islam, a journalist from Shanerhat village near Mesta, says that Badsha plants trees without expecting any recognition. In Shanerhat Union, there are very few educational institutions where he has not planted at least one tree.

As recognition for his work, Badsha was awarded by the Upazila administration at the tree fair on 27 October last year. Upazila Executive Officer Khadija Begum said that such commendable initiatives are being encouraged to further motivate him.

His son, Milon Mia, said he feels proud of his father. He told Prothom Alo, “Now the responsibility of the entire family rests on me. My father uses the money he earns to plant trees. He rushes to help whenever anyone in the village is in trouble. We are happy with our father’s work.”

Badsha Mia never thinks about profiting from the trees he plants. What he wants is for future generations to realise that one must leave something behind for society and the environment.

He said, “Trees keep us alive every moment by giving us oxygen. As long as Allah gives me the ability, I will keep planting trees. Even if I am no longer alive, my trees will live on. They will provide shade and fruit to people. That is my happiness.”​

 

[Saif]

Clean air as a public health imperative

Long dismissed as an unavoidable cost of development, air pollution in Bangladesh has now become a serious threat to the country's future generation. A recent World Bank report shows that hazardous air exposure has reached levels where every schoolgoing child inhales air beyond safe limits, rising

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Clean air as a public health imperative

Published :
Dec 20, 2025 23:08
Updated :
Dec 20, 2025 23:46

Long dismissed as an unavoidable cost of development, air pollution in Bangladesh has now become a serious threat to the country's future generation. A recent World Bank report shows that hazardous air exposure has reached levels where every schoolgoing child inhales air beyond safe limits, rising from 86 per cent in 1998 to complete vulnerability today. The health consequences are especially severe for children because their lungs are still developing and they breathe faster than adults, which means they inhale more pollutants relative to their body weight. Studies consistently show that such early life exposure yields irreversible developmental consequences that undermine future productivity and societal advancement. Around the world, schools in Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, India and the USA have cancelled classes on days with high pollution even when the air quality was far better than the worst days in Bangladesh. Without urgent measures for accelerated abatement, such class cancellations may become unavoidable in the country sooner than expected.

The World Bank report titled "A Breath of Change: Solutions for Cleaner Air in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills" has also sounded a warning for the wider Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF) region. It found that nearly one billion people across parts of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan are exposed to unhealthy air leading to around one million premature deaths each year and economic losses approaching 10 per cent of the regional GDP. This atmospheric crisis results from a mix of sources deeply woven into daily life and economic activity. The World Bank identifies five main contributors to the thick pollution blanket over the IGP-HF region. These include households burning solid fuels for cooking and heating, industries burning fossil fuels and biomass inefficiently without proper filtration, vehicles with inefficient internal combustion engines, farmers burning crop residues and managing fertilisers and manure poorly, and households and businesses burning waste. However, because pollution from these five sectors routinely crosses national borders, domestic efforts alone yield limited results. For instance, while Bangladesh contends with brick kilns and vehicular emissions in Dhaka where recent readings show PM2.5 levels often exceeding 50 micrograms per cubic meter, pollution inflows from neighbouring regions sustain higher concentrations.

Yet, as the World Bank analysis makes clear, a practical and achievable path to cleaner air does exist. The proposed solutions fall into three broad areas, specifically source level abatement, protection of vulnerable groups and institutional strengthening. These interventions rest on a strong economic rationale since cleaner technologies reduce healthcare costs while improving workforce productivity. Protection measures, meanwhile, call for stronger health and education systems to shield children during periods of severe pollution. The report also sets out an operational framework based on four key tools, which are information, incentives, institutions and infrastructure. The regional "35 by 35" goal, aiming to cut PM2.5 below 35 micrograms per cubic meter by 2035, highlights the value of cooperation, as coordinated actions prove 45 per cent more cost-effective than isolated efforts.

The challenge now lies in implementation, political resolve and sustained investment. While the World Bank roadmap is comprehensive, its success depends on decisive action by governments, the private sector and civil society alike. Moreover, air pollution respects no borders, making regional collaboration not only beneficial but essential. Governments across South Asia must therefore work together by sharing data, aligning policies and supporting one another in this monumental task. The path they choose for response will determine the region's public health and environmental future.​