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

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/stop-disturbing-the-sundarbans-3572721

Stop disturbing the Sundarbans!​

Restrain traffic of ships through the forest

It is deeply concerning that on top of projects, megaprojects, illegal occupations and deforestation ravaging the Sundarbans, traffic of ships through the forest has increased dramatically in recent years. A recent report sheds light on how ships, discharging harmful fumes and sound pollution, and often carrying toxic materials through the forest, have nearly doubled in a decade—from 357 trips monthly in 2012 to 837 trips in 2022, and 701 trips monthly so far this year.

Under the first Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade between Bangladesh and India, signed in 1972, lighter cargo vessels can operate between the two countries using the waterways mostly through the Sundarbans. A major route for these ships goes through at least 100 km of the river system inside the mangrove forest, which takes around eight hours for the vessels to travel. While any motor vehicle, including boats and ships, is strictly prohibited from operating through the forest after sunset till sunrise, ships continue to operate 24/7 unrestrained. The customs station in Angtihara, the entry point to the forest on this route, only logs the trips of the ships and does not monitor if any laws have been broken. While the customs and immigration in India close off at night, our customs office continues to operate throughout the night.
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By allowing these activities, we are now destroying the Sundarbans from the inside. The toxic fumes and loud sounds greatly impact wildlife habitats and breeding environments. The propellers disrupt the marine ecosystem, and the waves cause severe erosions. For instance, the width of rivers on this route has increased from 20-30 metres to 50-60 metres. Most of the ships on this route contain fly ash, coal, and stones from India for our riverside cement factories. In the last seven years, at least 15 such ships have capsized inside the forest, spilling these harmful materials directly into the river.

Bangladesh has now become a land of lost forestlands and dead ecosystems. We have irredeemably destroyed a number of forests and major sources of biodiversity throughout this delta, and even in the hill tracts. The Sundarbans is the last hope for any unique and great population of wildlife to survive. The government must ensure that any activity harming this forest is halted immediately, and look for an alternative route for maritime trade with India as well as consider moving major power plants and factories from the area.​

 

[Saif]

Honking a major concern on country's campuses: Rizwana

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

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Honking a major concern on country's campuses: Rizwana

Photo: Collected

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

CO2 mineralisation can help curb pollution in Bangladesh

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

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CO2 mineralisation can help curb pollution in Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Protecting arable lands in a land-scarce country

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

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Saif]

Elephant trapped in mud rescued after 22 hours

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

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Elephant trapped in mud rescued after 22 hours

Photo: Collected

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

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

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

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

The female elephant is around 40 years old.

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

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

 

[Saif]

No alternative to restore Dhaka canals: Rizwana

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

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No alternative to restore Dhaka canals: Rizwana

Photo: Helemul Alam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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