Saif
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Who is financing the project? The Indian government?
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Volunteers. If you want to donate one tree, you may have to Pay INR 43 incase you are unable to participate physically.
Saif
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Pollution of Louhajang river continues
Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from “BD Clean,” the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.
Pollution of Louhajang river continues
Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in Louhajang river as local authorities remain inactive. The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Banshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway. PHOTO: STAR
Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from "BD Clean," the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.
Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in the river as local authorities remain inactive.
The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Bangshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway.
However, senior citizens say, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow.
Waste from nearby households, markets, mills, and factories, discharged through drains and pipelines, has further worsened the river's condition. The stench of stagnant, polluted water, combined with accumulating rubbish, has become unbearable for those living along the riverbanks.
Locals say their repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.
However, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow. PHOTO: STAR
Ratan Siddiqui, general secretary of the District River Canal Water Bodies Protection Committee, said efforts to clean the river have been limited to only a one-kilometre stretch in town.
The remaining 75 kilometres of the waterbody continue to suffer from encroachment and pollution, as no one dares confront the powerful vested interests responsible for it, he added.
Meanwhile, Azad Khan Bhasani, president of Bhasani Parishad, said attempting to free the river from encroachment without restoring its original flow will be proven futile.
Ruhul Amin Sharif, assistant commissioner (land) in Sadar upazila, said reviving the river requires expert planning to address its silted source.
At a recent meeting organised by the environmental group 'Nongar,' civil society members criticised the exclusion of experienced environmental activists from new initiatives, claiming that local authorities are sidestepping real solutions.
Contacted, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque said the administration will work with all stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in Louhajang river as local authorities remain inactive. The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Banshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway. PHOTO: STAR
Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from "BD Clean," the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.
Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in the river as local authorities remain inactive.
The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Bangshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway.
However, senior citizens say, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow.
Waste from nearby households, markets, mills, and factories, discharged through drains and pipelines, has further worsened the river's condition. The stench of stagnant, polluted water, combined with accumulating rubbish, has become unbearable for those living along the riverbanks.
Locals say their repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.
However, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow. PHOTO: STAR
Ratan Siddiqui, general secretary of the District River Canal Water Bodies Protection Committee, said efforts to clean the river have been limited to only a one-kilometre stretch in town.
The remaining 75 kilometres of the waterbody continue to suffer from encroachment and pollution, as no one dares confront the powerful vested interests responsible for it, he added.
Meanwhile, Azad Khan Bhasani, president of Bhasani Parishad, said attempting to free the river from encroachment without restoring its original flow will be proven futile.
Ruhul Amin Sharif, assistant commissioner (land) in Sadar upazila, said reviving the river requires expert planning to address its silted source.
At a recent meeting organised by the environmental group 'Nongar,' civil society members criticised the exclusion of experienced environmental activists from new initiatives, claiming that local authorities are sidestepping real solutions.
Contacted, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque said the administration will work with all stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Saif
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Environment department halts Gulshan Lake filling on adviser’s orders
The Department of Environment (DoE) has halted the filling of Gulshan Lake following directives from Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in response to complaints regarding the illegal activity. On Monday afternoon, a team from the DoE, led
Environment department halts Gulshan Lake filling on adviser’s orders
UNB
Published :
Oct 21, 2024 23:12
Updated :
Oct 21, 2024 23:12
The Department of Environment (DoE) has halted the filling of Gulshan Lake following directives from Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in response to complaints regarding the illegal activity.
On Monday afternoon, a team from the DoE, led by Executive Magistrate Faizunnessa Akhter, conducted an on-site investigation in the area. During the inspection, they found evidence of lake filling in some parts of Gulshan Lake.
As a result, the DoE issued a notice to stop all filling activities in the identified portion of the lake until further orders. They also warned that legal action would be taken if the instructions were violated.
Gulshan Lake is classified as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), where filling is strictly prohibited under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act.
DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid stated that such drives would continue to prevent environmental pollution and protect the country's natural resources.
UNB
Published :
Oct 21, 2024 23:12
Updated :
Oct 21, 2024 23:12
The Department of Environment (DoE) has halted the filling of Gulshan Lake following directives from Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in response to complaints regarding the illegal activity.
On Monday afternoon, a team from the DoE, led by Executive Magistrate Faizunnessa Akhter, conducted an on-site investigation in the area. During the inspection, they found evidence of lake filling in some parts of Gulshan Lake.
As a result, the DoE issued a notice to stop all filling activities in the identified portion of the lake until further orders. They also warned that legal action would be taken if the instructions were violated.
Gulshan Lake is classified as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), where filling is strictly prohibited under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act.
DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid stated that such drives would continue to prevent environmental pollution and protect the country's natural resources.
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Pollution of Louhajang river continues
Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from “BD Clean,” the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.www.thedailystar.net
Pollution of Louhajang river continues
View attachment 9930
Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in Louhajang river as local authorities remain inactive. The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Banshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway. PHOTO: STAR
Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from "BD Clean," the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.
Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in the river as local authorities remain inactive.
The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Bangshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway.
However, senior citizens say, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow.
Waste from nearby households, markets, mills, and factories, discharged through drains and pipelines, has further worsened the river's condition. The stench of stagnant, polluted water, combined with accumulating rubbish, has become unbearable for those living along the riverbanks.
Locals say their repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.
View attachment 9931
However, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow. PHOTO: STAR
Ratan Siddiqui, general secretary of the District River Canal Water Bodies Protection Committee, said efforts to clean the river have been limited to only a one-kilometre stretch in town.
The remaining 75 kilometres of the waterbody continue to suffer from encroachment and pollution, as no one dares confront the powerful vested interests responsible for it, he added.
Meanwhile, Azad Khan Bhasani, president of Bhasani Parishad, said attempting to free the river from encroachment without restoring its original flow will be proven futile.
Ruhul Amin Sharif, assistant commissioner (land) in Sadar upazila, said reviving the river requires expert planning to address its silted source.
At a recent meeting organised by the environmental group 'Nongar,' civil society members criticised the exclusion of experienced environmental activists from new initiatives, claiming that local authorities are sidestepping real solutions.
Contacted, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque said the administration will work with all stakeholders to resolve the issue.
These are unfortunate realities. In national news in India, I heard that Delhi air pollution has crossed danger level.
Last edited:
Saif
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Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.
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Don't Bangladeshis abide by their law? Or is this just the mentality of our South Asian people?
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When I travel to the jungle in Tribal area, I bless those tribal people for beautifully preserving those Jungles, rivers and local Flora and fauna. If I post some photos of those beautiful jungles, you will get mesmerized to see its beauty. I travel to those jungles atleast 6 to 7 days in rainy season and 4 to 5 days in other seasons.
Saif
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There is no dearth of law breakers in Bangladesh. But this time the interim government has established a watch dog to force the law breakers to abide by law.
Saif
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Climate Apartheid and Bangladesh
The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable by 2050.
Climate Apartheid and Bangladesh
It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. PHOTO COURTESY: FARZANA FARUK JHUMU
The incessant rain, flash floods, distraught environmental migrants, and land erosion that we have witnessed in Bangladesh in recent years is not unforeseen, but exactly what scientists predicted decades ago. It is not based on a 'hunch' and it is definitely not fear-mongering as many climate crisis deniers claim. It is equivalent to one's house being on fire while they carry on with their tasks with a blindfold on.
The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable land by 2050 owing to rising sea levels. Rice, a staple in the Bangladeshi diet, will see a steep decrease in its production as well. On top of that, the country is predicted see a loss of 17 percent of its overall territory. As Bangladesh is highly reliant on agriculture and dangerously overpopulated, that will prove to be disastrous on several fronts with food insecurity as well as possibilities of famine close at hand. Unemployment, housing crisis, and poverty would also be widespread.
It is rueful to witness the disastrous effects of rising sea levels in Bangladesh although the country has contributed to less than 0.1 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions since its genesis in 1971. Known as the land of rivers, the melting of the Himalayan Glaciers is a looming threat to its river system overflowing and causing excessive flooding. The unpredictable nature of climate change necessitates a sturdy approach to its consequences, but the Bangladeshi government fails to construct any operational policies to tackle the climate crisis effectively.
While Bangladesh's own unstable political mood contributes to minimal attention paid to its policies regarding climate change, it also boils down to climate politics of the Global North. Although this is a global crisis and not a regional one, its record of blatant disregard for the disproportionate impact of climate change on the marginalised Global South warrants a discussion.
We can see the risks of flagrant climate apartheid in the making—the wealthy countries have the luxury to escape the heat, floods, droughts, and diseases caused by the climate crisis, all because they have the resources to do so, resources which they have shamelessly hoarded by exploiting the Global South through colonialism and imperialism. The best example is perhaps the Netherlands, a former colonial power and Bangladesh, a former colony. Owing to the rising sea levels and both countries lying in a delta, they face similar challenges, but one has the requisite infrastructure in place to tackle the crisis while the other utterly lacks it. Climate apartheid is prevalent within the borders of Bangladesh itself. Many have pointed out that the recent floods in Feni and Sherpur paint a stark picture of the different reactions to people's suffering. While the former region with a wealthy population received an outpour of support, the latter was largely overlooked as its population is not as wealthy.
From the abovementioned instances, we can conclude that the havoc the climate crisis will wreak will not be experienced equally. It will, however, definitely be experienced unfairly. The Industrial Revolution began in Europe and North America from the mid to late eighteenth century respectively, and resulted in most countries on these continents boasting the 'developed' status in the past few decades. It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. Despite it all, the blame of the climate crisis is dishonestly heaved on the 'developing' nations. Not only that, the West also continues to selfishly demand that developing nations restrain their industrialisation, even though it undoubtedly entails the slowing down of economic growth for those nations along with spikes in unemployment and poverty.
While there is no doubt that greenhouse gas emissions must be immediately reduced if not entirely halted, there is a need for constructive solutions in these developing nations. These solutions require funds which have been promised by the wealthy West but they have consistently failed to provide them. Instead of exporting the requisite technology and funds, they have been exporting reprimands to the Global South. On the same vein, those self-proclaimed environmentally conscious countries set up their air and river polluting factories there and add a 'responsibly sourced' tag to greenwash their products in the West. The hypocrisy of the West continues, but the reality is that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and that warrants Bangladesh to act swiftly. Historically, the country has placed climate change at the very bottom of its concerns, but now it needs to be given the utmost priority.
The UN reports that due to the climate crisis, between the years 2030 and 2050, every year 250,000 people globally are estimated to be killed. Hence, it is a battle for existence for many communities, which indubitably makes it a human right concern.
Raina Sabanta is a barrister.
It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. PHOTO COURTESY: FARZANA FARUK JHUMU
The incessant rain, flash floods, distraught environmental migrants, and land erosion that we have witnessed in Bangladesh in recent years is not unforeseen, but exactly what scientists predicted decades ago. It is not based on a 'hunch' and it is definitely not fear-mongering as many climate crisis deniers claim. It is equivalent to one's house being on fire while they carry on with their tasks with a blindfold on.
The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable land by 2050 owing to rising sea levels. Rice, a staple in the Bangladeshi diet, will see a steep decrease in its production as well. On top of that, the country is predicted see a loss of 17 percent of its overall territory. As Bangladesh is highly reliant on agriculture and dangerously overpopulated, that will prove to be disastrous on several fronts with food insecurity as well as possibilities of famine close at hand. Unemployment, housing crisis, and poverty would also be widespread.
It is rueful to witness the disastrous effects of rising sea levels in Bangladesh although the country has contributed to less than 0.1 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions since its genesis in 1971. Known as the land of rivers, the melting of the Himalayan Glaciers is a looming threat to its river system overflowing and causing excessive flooding. The unpredictable nature of climate change necessitates a sturdy approach to its consequences, but the Bangladeshi government fails to construct any operational policies to tackle the climate crisis effectively.
While Bangladesh's own unstable political mood contributes to minimal attention paid to its policies regarding climate change, it also boils down to climate politics of the Global North. Although this is a global crisis and not a regional one, its record of blatant disregard for the disproportionate impact of climate change on the marginalised Global South warrants a discussion.
We can see the risks of flagrant climate apartheid in the making—the wealthy countries have the luxury to escape the heat, floods, droughts, and diseases caused by the climate crisis, all because they have the resources to do so, resources which they have shamelessly hoarded by exploiting the Global South through colonialism and imperialism. The best example is perhaps the Netherlands, a former colonial power and Bangladesh, a former colony. Owing to the rising sea levels and both countries lying in a delta, they face similar challenges, but one has the requisite infrastructure in place to tackle the crisis while the other utterly lacks it. Climate apartheid is prevalent within the borders of Bangladesh itself. Many have pointed out that the recent floods in Feni and Sherpur paint a stark picture of the different reactions to people's suffering. While the former region with a wealthy population received an outpour of support, the latter was largely overlooked as its population is not as wealthy.
From the abovementioned instances, we can conclude that the havoc the climate crisis will wreak will not be experienced equally. It will, however, definitely be experienced unfairly. The Industrial Revolution began in Europe and North America from the mid to late eighteenth century respectively, and resulted in most countries on these continents boasting the 'developed' status in the past few decades. It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. Despite it all, the blame of the climate crisis is dishonestly heaved on the 'developing' nations. Not only that, the West also continues to selfishly demand that developing nations restrain their industrialisation, even though it undoubtedly entails the slowing down of economic growth for those nations along with spikes in unemployment and poverty.
While there is no doubt that greenhouse gas emissions must be immediately reduced if not entirely halted, there is a need for constructive solutions in these developing nations. These solutions require funds which have been promised by the wealthy West but they have consistently failed to provide them. Instead of exporting the requisite technology and funds, they have been exporting reprimands to the Global South. On the same vein, those self-proclaimed environmentally conscious countries set up their air and river polluting factories there and add a 'responsibly sourced' tag to greenwash their products in the West. The hypocrisy of the West continues, but the reality is that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and that warrants Bangladesh to act swiftly. Historically, the country has placed climate change at the very bottom of its concerns, but now it needs to be given the utmost priority.
The UN reports that due to the climate crisis, between the years 2030 and 2050, every year 250,000 people globally are estimated to be killed. Hence, it is a battle for existence for many communities, which indubitably makes it a human right concern.
Raina Sabanta is a barrister.
Saif
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Rally in Dhaka calls for action against lead pollution
Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh. They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children&
Rally in Dhaka calls for action against lead pollution
FE Online Report
Published :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51
Updated :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51
Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh.
They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children’s toys. During the rally, speakers highlighted five key demands directed at government officials.
Additionally, they urged the establishment of safe and formal lead-acid battery recycling systems, as well as preventing unsafe battery factories from operating nationwide.
Organised by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, the rally coincided with the observance of “International Lead Pollution Prevention Week” from October 20 to 26.
Participants emphasised the need for monitoring systems to identify and clean lead-contaminated areas caused by illegal recycling practices.
They also stressed the importance of reviewing and updating existing laws and policies on lead pollution to ensure effective enforcement.
Despite Bangladesh ranking fourth globally in lead pollution, awareness remains alarmingly low.
Approximately 36 million children—about 60 per cent of the child population—suffer from elevated lead levels in their blood, leading to reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues.
In adults, lead pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting in around 140,000 deaths annually.
The economic losses from lead-related health issues are estimated to reach $28.6 billion each year, underscoring the urgency of collective action against this pervasive threat, they said.
Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, underscored the vital role of young people in this initiative.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, also called for acting immediately to address lead pollution.
A recent blood lead level study on 500 children in Dhaka city, conducted by icddr,b in 2022 revealed that all the 500 children whose blood samples were tested, were found to have lead in their blood.
A total of 80 per cent of the children had blood-lead level above 5 µg/dL, with an average blood-lead level of 7.6 mcg/dl and highest 36 µg/dL, whereas there is no safe limit of lead in a child’s body.
While sharing the impact of lead on children Md Musa Baker, Research Investigator, Environmental Health and WASH, icddr,b, said, “Lead damages brain of children below five, causing lifelong neurological, cognitive, and physical impairment to them. To build a meritocratic society, there is no alternative to eliminate lead exposure.”
FE Online Report
Published :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51
Updated :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51
Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh.
They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children’s toys. During the rally, speakers highlighted five key demands directed at government officials.
Additionally, they urged the establishment of safe and formal lead-acid battery recycling systems, as well as preventing unsafe battery factories from operating nationwide.
Organised by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, the rally coincided with the observance of “International Lead Pollution Prevention Week” from October 20 to 26.
Participants emphasised the need for monitoring systems to identify and clean lead-contaminated areas caused by illegal recycling practices.
They also stressed the importance of reviewing and updating existing laws and policies on lead pollution to ensure effective enforcement.
Despite Bangladesh ranking fourth globally in lead pollution, awareness remains alarmingly low.
Approximately 36 million children—about 60 per cent of the child population—suffer from elevated lead levels in their blood, leading to reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues.
In adults, lead pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting in around 140,000 deaths annually.
The economic losses from lead-related health issues are estimated to reach $28.6 billion each year, underscoring the urgency of collective action against this pervasive threat, they said.
Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, underscored the vital role of young people in this initiative.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, also called for acting immediately to address lead pollution.
A recent blood lead level study on 500 children in Dhaka city, conducted by icddr,b in 2022 revealed that all the 500 children whose blood samples were tested, were found to have lead in their blood.
A total of 80 per cent of the children had blood-lead level above 5 µg/dL, with an average blood-lead level of 7.6 mcg/dl and highest 36 µg/dL, whereas there is no safe limit of lead in a child’s body.
While sharing the impact of lead on children Md Musa Baker, Research Investigator, Environmental Health and WASH, icddr,b, said, “Lead damages brain of children below five, causing lifelong neurological, cognitive, and physical impairment to them. To build a meritocratic society, there is no alternative to eliminate lead exposure.”
Saif
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Fossil fuel main driver of climate change: Rizwana
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change
Fossil fuel main driver of climate change: Rizwana
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change.
She emphasised the need to reduce its use, adapt development models, and work collectively to control pollution.
She made the remarks in a video message at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) seminar room during the mentoring program titled "Journalism in the Age of Energy Transition: COP-29 Coverage Strategies and Mentoring."
The event aimed to enhance the skills of journalists in print, electronic, and online media in preparation for coverage of the upcoming COP-29.
Rizwana Hasan further stated the importance of effectively covering climate conferences and using knowledge from training to support at-risk communities through actionable steps.
The event was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif and moderated by CAPS Chairman Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder.
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change.
She emphasised the need to reduce its use, adapt development models, and work collectively to control pollution.
She made the remarks in a video message at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) seminar room during the mentoring program titled "Journalism in the Age of Energy Transition: COP-29 Coverage Strategies and Mentoring."
The event aimed to enhance the skills of journalists in print, electronic, and online media in preparation for coverage of the upcoming COP-29.
Rizwana Hasan further stated the importance of effectively covering climate conferences and using knowledge from training to support at-risk communities through actionable steps.
The event was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif and moderated by CAPS Chairman Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder.
Saif
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Path forward in global climate economy
AS BANGLADESH grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the need for innovative financial mechanisms to bolster its resilience is more pressing than ever. Despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions — accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of the...
www.newagebd.net
Path forward in global climate economy
Md Zahurul Al Mamun 27 October, 2024, 00:00
Eco Technology
AS BANGLADESH grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the need for innovative financial mechanisms to bolster its resilience is more pressing than ever. Despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions — accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of the world total — the country bears a disproportionate burden of climate-related disasters. For this South Asian nation, addressing climate change is no longer a policy choice but an existential imperative.
In this context, carbon markets offer a promising yet complex financial tool. While these markets have the potential to provide the much-needed climate finance for Bangladesh’s adaptation and mitigation efforts, engaging effectively requires navigating a web of technical, regulatory and ethical challenges. For Bangladesh to harness the potential of carbon markets, it must do so with a keen focus on climate justice, capacity-building, and local development priorities.
Understanding carbon markets
CARBON markets operate on a simple premise: pricing carbon emissions to incentivise reductions. At their core, the markets put a monetary value on the external costs of carbon emissions, encouraging countries, industries and corporations to invest in cleaner alternatives. Broadly, there are two types of carbon markets: compliance and voluntary.
Compliance markets are driven by regulatory frameworks such as the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme or the mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Voluntary markets, on the other hand, are driven by corporations or entities that wish to offset their carbon emissions to adopt net-zero targets as part of their sustainability goals. Bangladesh has participated in both, notably under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism, earning certified emission reductions for solar projects.
However, the global carbon market landscape has evolved. Article 6 in the Paris Agreement enables more a flexible international cooperation in carbon trading, potentially expanding Bangladesh’s role. The voluntary market, in particular, has seen exponential growth, driven by global corporations adopting net-zero targets. According to Fortune Business Insights, in 2022, the global carbon offsets market size reached nearly $938.75 billion, with projections suggesting that it would grow to $2,549.42 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.1 per cent during the forecast period. These figures highlight the burgeoning opportunities — but also the complexity — of this financial space.
Local context
FOR Bangladesh, engaging in these markets is fraught with specific challenges. While the potential financial benefits are evident, significant barriers remain in place that could hinder the nation’s ability to fully capitalise on carbon trading.
Institutional capacity and infrastructure: One of the most pressing challenges is the limited institutional capacity to develop, monitor, and certify carbon projects. Carbon trading requires robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems to ensure the credibility of the credits being sold, but Bangladesh’s technical skills and infrastructure in this area remain underdeveloped. Although the government has made strides in building climate resilience, these advancements have not extended sufficiently to the technical complexities required for carbon markets.
This shortfall is not unique to Bangladesh but is indicative of broader structural inequalities in the global carbon trading system. Wealthier nations, armed with advanced technologies and institutional capacity, dominate carbon markets while countries such as Bangladesh struggle to meet the stringent requirements of international buyers. This discrepancy raises the risk of ‘carbon colonialism,’ wherein wealthier nations or corporations exploit carbon markets at the expense of less-developed countries, profiting from projects that offer little tangible benefits to the local populations involved.
Regulatory framework and policy coherence: A lack of clear regulatory frameworks is another impediment. While Bangladesh has environmental legislation in place, it lacks a comprehensive national policy on carbon pricing or trading. The absence of clear guidelines creates uncertainty for potential investors, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and waste management — two areas ripe for carbon credit generation.
The development of a coherent carbon pricing strategy, whether through a tax or a cap-and-trade system, would send out a strong signal that Bangladesh is serious about leveraging carbon markets. Such a framework would also align domestic policies with international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, encouraging both private-sector engagement and foreign investment. Neighbouring countries such as India have begun experimenting with such frameworks, offering potential lessons for Bangladesh.
Market volatility and financial risks: Carbon markets are notoriously volatile. The price of carbon credits fluctuates, influenced by market conditions, regulatory changes and international policy decisions. For a country such as Bangladesh, which already has constrained fiscal space, over-reliance on such an unpredictable revenue stream poses considerable risks. Without long-term price stability or guarantees, carbon trading could exacerbate financial vulnerabilities, particularly, if carbon prices plummet or demand weakens.
Bangladesh would do well to draw lessons from countries such as Kenya, which have navigated both successes and failures in carbon trading. By analysing their experience, Bangladesh can develop strategies to mitigate these financial risks, ensuring that carbon markets complement — rather than undermine — its broader climate and economic goals.
Engaging stakeholders: multi-layered approach
FOR Bangladesh to fully capitalise on carbon markets, an effective engagement across various levels — global, national, and local — is essential.
International partnerships: At the international level, multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are increasingly recognising carbon markets as a mechanism to support climate finance in the Global South. Initiatives like the World Bank’s partnership for market implementation can offer technical and financial support to help Bangladesh to establish its carbon pricing mechanisms. Bangladesh needs to strengthen its collaborations with such international bodies to harness technical and financial assistance.
However, these engagements must not be merely transactional. Bangladesh should use its position in global forums, such as the forthcoming COP29, to advocate more equitable carbon market practices that account for the unequal distribution of climate impacts and the historical responsibility of wealthy nations.
Local stakeholders and capacity building: Domestically, more substantial involvement from both the private sector and local governments is essential. Industries such as textiles, which are a significant part of Bangladesh’s economy and are frequently scrutinised for their environmental footprint, could benefit from the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects that generate carbon credits. However, for this to happen, the government must provide clear financial incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to encourage private-sector participation.
Local governments also have a pivotal role to play. Decentralising climate governance and empowering local authorities with the tools to enforce regulations and oversee monitoring, reporting and verification systems could significantly improve project outcomes. Equally important is the community engagement. Too often, carbon projects fail to consult or include local communities in the decision-making process, leading to resentment and pushback. Prioritising the participation of vulnerable groups, such as smallholder farmers and Indigenous communities, is crucial to avoid exploitation and ensure that carbon projects deliver tangible benefits to those most affected by climate change.
Ethical considerations: equity and climate justice
CARBON markets, while offering financial opportunities, are rife with ethical pitfalls. Bangladesh’s engagement with these markets must be framed within the broader context of climate justice. The country must ensure that its participation is not just about generating carbon credits for wealthy nations to offset their emissions. It should, rather, focus on integrating carbon markets into its broader development strategy, ensuring that revenue from these markets is reinvested in projects that directly benefit the country’s most vulnerable populations.
In this regard, robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems are critical for not only compliance but also ensuring transparency and accountability. Emerging technologies such as blockchain could offer innovative solutions for tracking and verifying carbon credits, reducing the potential for fraud or mismanagement. Bangladesh should look to countries such as Jordan and Sri Lanka, which have successfully implemented such systems, as models for building credibility in the global carbon market.
Seizing opportunities: long-term vision
IN THE long term, carbon markets should be viewed as one piece of a broader strategy to transition Bangladesh to a green economy. Investments in renewable energy, afforestation and nature-based solutions will be key to unlocking carbon market potential while addressing climate resilience. For example, expanding solar and wind energy projects could generate a reliable stream of carbon credits. Likewise, restoring mangrove forests along the coastlines could both sequester carbon and protect communities from storm surges and rising sea levels.
However, these efforts must be underpinned by a long-term vision that goes beyond short-term financial gains. Carbon markets should not replace the need for more robust climate action and policy reform. Instead, they should complement a broader strategy aimed at sustainable development, climate adaptation and building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Policy recommendations
To unlock the full potential of carbon markets, Bangladesh needs a forward-thinking, multi-faceted policy approach.
Strong institutions: First and foremost, Bangladesh must build stronger national institutions to engage effectively with carbon markets. A dedicated climate finance body — similar to Kenya’s Climate Change Directorate or India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency — could coordinate carbon market initiatives, streamline regulatory processes, and engage with international stakeholders.
National carbon pricing strategy: Establishing a national carbon pricing mechanism, whether through a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system, would send a clear signal to both domestic and international stakeholders that Bangladesh is committed to market-based climate solutions.
Private-sector participation: The government should establish clear guidelines and financial incentives to encourage private-sector engagement. By promoting public-private partnership schemes in key sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture, the government can unlock opportunities for carbon credit generation. Incentives could include tax benefits for industries that adopt energy efficiency measures or renewable energy technologies, thereby generating carbon credits. This approach will be crucial for the successful transition to a low-carbon economy.
Capacity building and technical assistance: International partnership with organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change should focus on capacity building, particularly in carbon accounting, monitoring, reporting and verification systems and project certification. Training programmes for government officials, industry leaders and local communities will be key to ensuring that the benefits of carbon markets are equitably distributed.
Climate justice campaign: Bangladesh must advocate equitable carbon market practices at global forums, ensuring that the benefits of participation are shared with vulnerable communities.
Just and sustainable path
CARBON markets present a promising avenue for Bangladesh’s climate finance strategy, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. By focusing on capacity-building, regulatory coherence and ethical considerations, Bangladesh cannot only engage effectively with these markets but also use them as a lever for broader sustainable development. The urgency is undeniable. But with the right policies and partnership, Bangladesh can position itself as a leader in advocating a more just, transparent, and climate-resilient future.
Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a climate change researcher and analyst.
Md Zahurul Al Mamun 27 October, 2024, 00:00
Eco Technology
AS BANGLADESH grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the need for innovative financial mechanisms to bolster its resilience is more pressing than ever. Despite its relatively low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions — accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of the world total — the country bears a disproportionate burden of climate-related disasters. For this South Asian nation, addressing climate change is no longer a policy choice but an existential imperative.
In this context, carbon markets offer a promising yet complex financial tool. While these markets have the potential to provide the much-needed climate finance for Bangladesh’s adaptation and mitigation efforts, engaging effectively requires navigating a web of technical, regulatory and ethical challenges. For Bangladesh to harness the potential of carbon markets, it must do so with a keen focus on climate justice, capacity-building, and local development priorities.
Understanding carbon markets
CARBON markets operate on a simple premise: pricing carbon emissions to incentivise reductions. At their core, the markets put a monetary value on the external costs of carbon emissions, encouraging countries, industries and corporations to invest in cleaner alternatives. Broadly, there are two types of carbon markets: compliance and voluntary.
Compliance markets are driven by regulatory frameworks such as the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme or the mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Voluntary markets, on the other hand, are driven by corporations or entities that wish to offset their carbon emissions to adopt net-zero targets as part of their sustainability goals. Bangladesh has participated in both, notably under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism, earning certified emission reductions for solar projects.
However, the global carbon market landscape has evolved. Article 6 in the Paris Agreement enables more a flexible international cooperation in carbon trading, potentially expanding Bangladesh’s role. The voluntary market, in particular, has seen exponential growth, driven by global corporations adopting net-zero targets. According to Fortune Business Insights, in 2022, the global carbon offsets market size reached nearly $938.75 billion, with projections suggesting that it would grow to $2,549.42 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.1 per cent during the forecast period. These figures highlight the burgeoning opportunities — but also the complexity — of this financial space.
Local context
FOR Bangladesh, engaging in these markets is fraught with specific challenges. While the potential financial benefits are evident, significant barriers remain in place that could hinder the nation’s ability to fully capitalise on carbon trading.
Institutional capacity and infrastructure: One of the most pressing challenges is the limited institutional capacity to develop, monitor, and certify carbon projects. Carbon trading requires robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems to ensure the credibility of the credits being sold, but Bangladesh’s technical skills and infrastructure in this area remain underdeveloped. Although the government has made strides in building climate resilience, these advancements have not extended sufficiently to the technical complexities required for carbon markets.
This shortfall is not unique to Bangladesh but is indicative of broader structural inequalities in the global carbon trading system. Wealthier nations, armed with advanced technologies and institutional capacity, dominate carbon markets while countries such as Bangladesh struggle to meet the stringent requirements of international buyers. This discrepancy raises the risk of ‘carbon colonialism,’ wherein wealthier nations or corporations exploit carbon markets at the expense of less-developed countries, profiting from projects that offer little tangible benefits to the local populations involved.
Regulatory framework and policy coherence: A lack of clear regulatory frameworks is another impediment. While Bangladesh has environmental legislation in place, it lacks a comprehensive national policy on carbon pricing or trading. The absence of clear guidelines creates uncertainty for potential investors, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and waste management — two areas ripe for carbon credit generation.
The development of a coherent carbon pricing strategy, whether through a tax or a cap-and-trade system, would send out a strong signal that Bangladesh is serious about leveraging carbon markets. Such a framework would also align domestic policies with international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, encouraging both private-sector engagement and foreign investment. Neighbouring countries such as India have begun experimenting with such frameworks, offering potential lessons for Bangladesh.
Market volatility and financial risks: Carbon markets are notoriously volatile. The price of carbon credits fluctuates, influenced by market conditions, regulatory changes and international policy decisions. For a country such as Bangladesh, which already has constrained fiscal space, over-reliance on such an unpredictable revenue stream poses considerable risks. Without long-term price stability or guarantees, carbon trading could exacerbate financial vulnerabilities, particularly, if carbon prices plummet or demand weakens.
Bangladesh would do well to draw lessons from countries such as Kenya, which have navigated both successes and failures in carbon trading. By analysing their experience, Bangladesh can develop strategies to mitigate these financial risks, ensuring that carbon markets complement — rather than undermine — its broader climate and economic goals.
Engaging stakeholders: multi-layered approach
FOR Bangladesh to fully capitalise on carbon markets, an effective engagement across various levels — global, national, and local — is essential.
International partnerships: At the international level, multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are increasingly recognising carbon markets as a mechanism to support climate finance in the Global South. Initiatives like the World Bank’s partnership for market implementation can offer technical and financial support to help Bangladesh to establish its carbon pricing mechanisms. Bangladesh needs to strengthen its collaborations with such international bodies to harness technical and financial assistance.
However, these engagements must not be merely transactional. Bangladesh should use its position in global forums, such as the forthcoming COP29, to advocate more equitable carbon market practices that account for the unequal distribution of climate impacts and the historical responsibility of wealthy nations.
Local stakeholders and capacity building: Domestically, more substantial involvement from both the private sector and local governments is essential. Industries such as textiles, which are a significant part of Bangladesh’s economy and are frequently scrutinised for their environmental footprint, could benefit from the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy projects that generate carbon credits. However, for this to happen, the government must provide clear financial incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to encourage private-sector participation.
Local governments also have a pivotal role to play. Decentralising climate governance and empowering local authorities with the tools to enforce regulations and oversee monitoring, reporting and verification systems could significantly improve project outcomes. Equally important is the community engagement. Too often, carbon projects fail to consult or include local communities in the decision-making process, leading to resentment and pushback. Prioritising the participation of vulnerable groups, such as smallholder farmers and Indigenous communities, is crucial to avoid exploitation and ensure that carbon projects deliver tangible benefits to those most affected by climate change.
Ethical considerations: equity and climate justice
CARBON markets, while offering financial opportunities, are rife with ethical pitfalls. Bangladesh’s engagement with these markets must be framed within the broader context of climate justice. The country must ensure that its participation is not just about generating carbon credits for wealthy nations to offset their emissions. It should, rather, focus on integrating carbon markets into its broader development strategy, ensuring that revenue from these markets is reinvested in projects that directly benefit the country’s most vulnerable populations.
In this regard, robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems are critical for not only compliance but also ensuring transparency and accountability. Emerging technologies such as blockchain could offer innovative solutions for tracking and verifying carbon credits, reducing the potential for fraud or mismanagement. Bangladesh should look to countries such as Jordan and Sri Lanka, which have successfully implemented such systems, as models for building credibility in the global carbon market.
Seizing opportunities: long-term vision
IN THE long term, carbon markets should be viewed as one piece of a broader strategy to transition Bangladesh to a green economy. Investments in renewable energy, afforestation and nature-based solutions will be key to unlocking carbon market potential while addressing climate resilience. For example, expanding solar and wind energy projects could generate a reliable stream of carbon credits. Likewise, restoring mangrove forests along the coastlines could both sequester carbon and protect communities from storm surges and rising sea levels.
However, these efforts must be underpinned by a long-term vision that goes beyond short-term financial gains. Carbon markets should not replace the need for more robust climate action and policy reform. Instead, they should complement a broader strategy aimed at sustainable development, climate adaptation and building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Policy recommendations
To unlock the full potential of carbon markets, Bangladesh needs a forward-thinking, multi-faceted policy approach.
Strong institutions: First and foremost, Bangladesh must build stronger national institutions to engage effectively with carbon markets. A dedicated climate finance body — similar to Kenya’s Climate Change Directorate or India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency — could coordinate carbon market initiatives, streamline regulatory processes, and engage with international stakeholders.
National carbon pricing strategy: Establishing a national carbon pricing mechanism, whether through a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system, would send a clear signal to both domestic and international stakeholders that Bangladesh is committed to market-based climate solutions.
Private-sector participation: The government should establish clear guidelines and financial incentives to encourage private-sector engagement. By promoting public-private partnership schemes in key sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture, the government can unlock opportunities for carbon credit generation. Incentives could include tax benefits for industries that adopt energy efficiency measures or renewable energy technologies, thereby generating carbon credits. This approach will be crucial for the successful transition to a low-carbon economy.
Capacity building and technical assistance: International partnership with organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change should focus on capacity building, particularly in carbon accounting, monitoring, reporting and verification systems and project certification. Training programmes for government officials, industry leaders and local communities will be key to ensuring that the benefits of carbon markets are equitably distributed.
Climate justice campaign: Bangladesh must advocate equitable carbon market practices at global forums, ensuring that the benefits of participation are shared with vulnerable communities.
Just and sustainable path
CARBON markets present a promising avenue for Bangladesh’s climate finance strategy, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. By focusing on capacity-building, regulatory coherence and ethical considerations, Bangladesh cannot only engage effectively with these markets but also use them as a lever for broader sustainable development. The urgency is undeniable. But with the right policies and partnership, Bangladesh can position itself as a leader in advocating a more just, transparent, and climate-resilient future.
Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a climate change researcher and analyst.
Saif
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HC questions legality of Ctg port authority’s law to fill river
The High Court today issued a rule questioning the legality of a law that has empowered the authorities concerned to fill Karnaphuli river in Chattogram
HC questions legality of Ctg port authority’s law to fill river
The High Court today issued a rule questioning the legality of a law that has empowered the authorities concerned to fill Karnaphuli river in Chattogram.
In the rule, the court asked the authorities concerned with the government to explain in two weeks why the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022 which empowered the port authority to fill the river should not be scrapped.
The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh challenging the legality of the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022.
The petitioner's lawyer, Manzill Murshid, told the court that the Chittagong Port Authority Act was passed in 2022 and a gazette notification was issued on April 13, 2022. Section 10(2)(f) of the law provides powers to the authority to fill rivers in Chattogram.
If such powers remain in force, Karnaphuli river cannot be protected, he said.
Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan represented the state during the hearing.
The High Court today issued a rule questioning the legality of a law that has empowered the authorities concerned to fill Karnaphuli river in Chattogram.
In the rule, the court asked the authorities concerned with the government to explain in two weeks why the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022 which empowered the port authority to fill the river should not be scrapped.
The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury issued the rule following a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh challenging the legality of the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022.
The petitioner's lawyer, Manzill Murshid, told the court that the Chittagong Port Authority Act was passed in 2022 and a gazette notification was issued on April 13, 2022. Section 10(2)(f) of the law provides powers to the authority to fill rivers in Chattogram.
If such powers remain in force, Karnaphuli river cannot be protected, he said.
Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan represented the state during the hearing.
Saif
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Making the climate change battle inclusive
We need to ensure an intersectional approach to climate action.
Making the climate change battle inclusive
Equal participation of people of all genders, ethnicities and age-groups will generate more effective and sustainable outcomes
The unique perspectives and experiences of the youth must be incorporated into climate change policies to address the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities. PHOTO: ACTIONAID BANGLADESH
Climate change is a global crisis. Raising awareness is not enough; we must provide people with the information and tools to combat the effects of climate change. It is fundamental to engage in activism, campaigns, and advocacy and organise dialogues and conferences to discuss how to reduce the effects of climate change. To be effective and truly transformative, respect for and promotion of gender equality, women's rights, marginalised groups, youth leadership and indigenous community must be central to climate action.
Participation in climate and environmental decision-making is a human right and the equal participation of people belonging to all genders generates more effective and sustainable outcomes. Women are underrepresented when it comes to decision-making regarding climate negotiations. At COP 28, there were only 34 percent of women across all national delegations, compared to 31 percent at COP 14 in 2008. Only two percent of the delegations at COP 28 had an equal number of men and women, while 79 percent had more men than women, representing the ongoing disparity in women's participation in climate negotiations.
Besides, there is still the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap estimated at $4 trillion annually for developing countries, with the Global South being affected disproportionately. Loss and damage are closely related to the concept of "just transition" and equity because the world's most climate-vulnerable countries are often the lowest contributors to climate change, yet heavily affected by it. With COP 29 ahead, there is an urgent need to agree on a new climate finance goal of $5 trillion annually to address climate loss and damage. This climate finance should be channelled through well-planned and targeted actions with transparency and accountability. Global leaders should come forward and commit to addressing issues needed to combat climate change and to support the countries that are more vulnerable and prone to natural disasters occurring as a result of climate change.
Meanwhile, fossil fuel burning must be prohibited to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Over $677 billion in subsidies is being poured into fossil fuel and industrial agriculture sectors annually, fuelling greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries are the primary beneficiaries of these subsidies, which are contributing to global temperature rise and biodiversity loss. The energy demand has increased worldwide due to economic advancement and development and a major part of the energy demand is met by fossil fuels. Although Bangladesh has remained resilient, natural resources are depleting rapidly and negatively impacting the environment which is accelerating climate change, therefore making it crucial to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and slow down climate change to build a habitable world for future generations.
Moreover, in Bangladesh, 40 percent of the population lacks access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need for action. It is crucial to acknowledge how vulnerable populations, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by water-related crises. With limited access to resources and decision-making power, women have to encounter challenges that are different in nature from those faced by men. It is reported that women starve during a disaster when there is a crisis and food shortage to feed their children and other family members. Women are exposed to new forms of risks when they have to move to flood or cyclone shelters. Displaced women and girls who move to temporary shelters or embankments are in even higher risk categories with reports of child marriage or trafficking. Women's empowerment in climate action is crucial for creating effective and sustainable solutions. Involving women in developing funding criteria and resource allocation helps prioritise projects that directly benefit communities, and enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. When women and minorities participate actively in shaping technologies and solutions, we foster creativity and innovation that are essential for tackling climate challenges. This needs to happen at global climate discussions and at national levels.
The other aspect that is necessary to incorporate is the unique perspectives and experiences of the youth which can lead to innovative approaches for addressing the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities. Equity and youth leadership are important for the future and the government should plan to invest in these areas. Similarly, Indigenous communities deeply connected to the land suffer disproportionate impacts, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and rights in conservation efforts. People with disabilities also face unique challenges in climate-related disasters, necessitating inclusive emergency planning and infrastructure to address accessibility barriers and health conditions worsened by environmental changes. Empowering marginalised groups enables their meaningful participation in decision-making processes and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Bangladesh has been resilient in the face of formidable climate challenges. There is no question that a collaborative spirit unites Bangladesh to protect and strengthen communities against climate adversities. However, the inclusion and integration of different perspectives into national policies and sustainable development plans must be focused on, in order to guarantee that the needs and knowledge of the underrepresented are recognised and addressed, leading to more equitable and effective climate interventions.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) embody governments' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. If designed effectively, NDCs, alongside the voluntary National Adaptation Plan (NAP), can provide an effective framework to guide gender-responsive national climate action and include it in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and disaster response as well. Unfortunately, when we dived deeper, we found that most climate strategies across South Asia remain gender-blind, pointing to the stark reality that as climate disasters cause devastation across the region, women, girls, youth and other marginalised groups continue to be overlooked, excluded and left behind in government responses.
We need to ensure an intersectional approach to climate action that incorporates the needs and priorities of women and girls, youth, marginalised groups, and Indigenous communities. Existing and new policies should reflect and address issues of climate justice in terms of budget and allocation that is gender-sensitive and gender-responsive. Incorporating gender considerations and insights of youth, Indigenous and marginalised groups into new climate policies and frameworks, will pave the way to foster synergies between gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development, leading to more cohesive and effective policy responses.
Farah Kabir is the country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
Equal participation of people of all genders, ethnicities and age-groups will generate more effective and sustainable outcomes
The unique perspectives and experiences of the youth must be incorporated into climate change policies to address the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities. PHOTO: ACTIONAID BANGLADESH
Climate change is a global crisis. Raising awareness is not enough; we must provide people with the information and tools to combat the effects of climate change. It is fundamental to engage in activism, campaigns, and advocacy and organise dialogues and conferences to discuss how to reduce the effects of climate change. To be effective and truly transformative, respect for and promotion of gender equality, women's rights, marginalised groups, youth leadership and indigenous community must be central to climate action.
Participation in climate and environmental decision-making is a human right and the equal participation of people belonging to all genders generates more effective and sustainable outcomes. Women are underrepresented when it comes to decision-making regarding climate negotiations. At COP 28, there were only 34 percent of women across all national delegations, compared to 31 percent at COP 14 in 2008. Only two percent of the delegations at COP 28 had an equal number of men and women, while 79 percent had more men than women, representing the ongoing disparity in women's participation in climate negotiations.
Besides, there is still the Sustainable Development Goals financing gap estimated at $4 trillion annually for developing countries, with the Global South being affected disproportionately. Loss and damage are closely related to the concept of "just transition" and equity because the world's most climate-vulnerable countries are often the lowest contributors to climate change, yet heavily affected by it. With COP 29 ahead, there is an urgent need to agree on a new climate finance goal of $5 trillion annually to address climate loss and damage. This climate finance should be channelled through well-planned and targeted actions with transparency and accountability. Global leaders should come forward and commit to addressing issues needed to combat climate change and to support the countries that are more vulnerable and prone to natural disasters occurring as a result of climate change.
Meanwhile, fossil fuel burning must be prohibited to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Over $677 billion in subsidies is being poured into fossil fuel and industrial agriculture sectors annually, fuelling greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries are the primary beneficiaries of these subsidies, which are contributing to global temperature rise and biodiversity loss. The energy demand has increased worldwide due to economic advancement and development and a major part of the energy demand is met by fossil fuels. Although Bangladesh has remained resilient, natural resources are depleting rapidly and negatively impacting the environment which is accelerating climate change, therefore making it crucial to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and slow down climate change to build a habitable world for future generations.
Moreover, in Bangladesh, 40 percent of the population lacks access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need for action. It is crucial to acknowledge how vulnerable populations, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by water-related crises. With limited access to resources and decision-making power, women have to encounter challenges that are different in nature from those faced by men. It is reported that women starve during a disaster when there is a crisis and food shortage to feed their children and other family members. Women are exposed to new forms of risks when they have to move to flood or cyclone shelters. Displaced women and girls who move to temporary shelters or embankments are in even higher risk categories with reports of child marriage or trafficking. Women's empowerment in climate action is crucial for creating effective and sustainable solutions. Involving women in developing funding criteria and resource allocation helps prioritise projects that directly benefit communities, and enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. When women and minorities participate actively in shaping technologies and solutions, we foster creativity and innovation that are essential for tackling climate challenges. This needs to happen at global climate discussions and at national levels.
The other aspect that is necessary to incorporate is the unique perspectives and experiences of the youth which can lead to innovative approaches for addressing the diverse impacts of climate change on different communities. Equity and youth leadership are important for the future and the government should plan to invest in these areas. Similarly, Indigenous communities deeply connected to the land suffer disproportionate impacts, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge and rights in conservation efforts. People with disabilities also face unique challenges in climate-related disasters, necessitating inclusive emergency planning and infrastructure to address accessibility barriers and health conditions worsened by environmental changes. Empowering marginalised groups enables their meaningful participation in decision-making processes and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Bangladesh has been resilient in the face of formidable climate challenges. There is no question that a collaborative spirit unites Bangladesh to protect and strengthen communities against climate adversities. However, the inclusion and integration of different perspectives into national policies and sustainable development plans must be focused on, in order to guarantee that the needs and knowledge of the underrepresented are recognised and addressed, leading to more equitable and effective climate interventions.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) embody governments' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. If designed effectively, NDCs, alongside the voluntary National Adaptation Plan (NAP), can provide an effective framework to guide gender-responsive national climate action and include it in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and disaster response as well. Unfortunately, when we dived deeper, we found that most climate strategies across South Asia remain gender-blind, pointing to the stark reality that as climate disasters cause devastation across the region, women, girls, youth and other marginalised groups continue to be overlooked, excluded and left behind in government responses.
We need to ensure an intersectional approach to climate action that incorporates the needs and priorities of women and girls, youth, marginalised groups, and Indigenous communities. Existing and new policies should reflect and address issues of climate justice in terms of budget and allocation that is gender-sensitive and gender-responsive. Incorporating gender considerations and insights of youth, Indigenous and marginalised groups into new climate policies and frameworks, will pave the way to foster synergies between gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development, leading to more cohesive and effective policy responses.
Farah Kabir is the country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
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Hi,
Have a look at the some very beautiful places I visited this rainy season this year.Look how beautiful it is.
Hi,
Have a look at the some very beautiful places I visited this rainy season this year.Look how beautiful it is.
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Bangladesh significant contributor to economic loss due to inadequate e-waste mgmt: ITU
The global loss due to inadequate e-waste management practices amounts to $37 billion annually, with Bangladesh being a significant contributor, according to a study conducted by the International Telecommunication Union...
Bangladesh significant contributor to economic loss due to inadequate e-waste mgmt: ITU
Taufiq Hossain Mobin 03 July, 2024, 22:46
View attachment 6736
Old and worn-out electronic devices are seen at a shop in the capital Dhaka recently. The global loss due to inadequate e-waste management practices amounts to $37 billion annually, with Bangladesh being a significant contributor, according to a study conducted by the International Telecommunication Union. | New Age photo
The global loss due to inadequate e-waste management practices amounts to $37 billion annually, with Bangladesh being a significant contributor, according to a study conducted by the International Telecommunication Union.
The report 'The Global E-WASTE Monitor 2024' published by the ITU, a specialised agency of the United Nations, Bangladesh is one of the largest e-waste generators in the South Asian region and the country generated 367 million kilograms of e-waste in 2022 at a rate of 2.2 kilograms per capita.
The report defined e-waste as the waste stream that contains both hazardous and valuable materials generated from disposed electrical and electronic equipment.
The UN agency published statistics of e-waste generation in 193 countries based on the data for the year 2022, showing that a record 62 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated globally in 2022, averaging 7.8 kilograms per person a year.
The report explained that despite gaining $28 billion from metal recovery and $23 billion from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the costs of e-waste treatment and associated health and environmental impacts remain high.
With $10 billion spent on treatment and $78 billion in externalised costs, the net result is a staggering $37 billion annual loss in global e-waste management, it said.
The externalised costs amount to an estimated $36 billion in long-term socioeconomic and environmental costs, $22 billion representing the cost of illnesses and decreases in human capital, and the average monetised value of working lives caused by mercury emissions, $19 billion arising from the release of plastic waste into the environment, less than $1 billion arising from the release of lead into the environment and its effects on wildlife and humans.
Experts said that Bangladesh was incurring loss in this sector due to lack of a formal mechanism in e-waste management, and said e-waste management could be an industry if the government had set up proper process.
Hridoy Roy, a lecturer of the chemical engineering department at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, told New Age that assessing the economic impact of e-waste management in Bangladesh would be hard for various reasons.
'One of the main reasons is currently there is no formal mechanism for collecting and recycling e-waste in the country. Policies regarding this need to be introduced accordingly,' he said.
The ITU report stated that Bangladesh had only a few licensed e-waste dismantlers, which used basic resource recovery practices that were polluting and unsafe.
In the Southern Asian region, India, Iran, Thailand and Pakistan were above Bangladesh in generating e-waste, amounting to 4,137 million kilograms, 817 million kilograms, 753 million kilograms and 559 million kilograms of e-waste respectively in 2022.
Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives stayed below Bangladesh.
Of these countries, the first three generated 175 million kilograms, 42 million kilograms, 32 million kilograms respectively and the remaining two five million kilograms each.
While not highlighting on the formal and informal e-waste management in Bangladesh, the report said that only 22.3 per cent of this e-waste was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner in the global scenario.
The report said that e-waste had a direct and severe impact on the environment and people's health.
E-waste contains toxic and persistent substances, such as the flame retardants that are used in appliances and in EEE containing plastics.
It also said that several international studies of the emissions caused by open burning of various materials, including hazardous materials, highlighted the health risks of inhaling the heavy metals and brominated flame retardants contained in plastic e-waste.
Mentioning unmanaged recycling of temperature exchange equipment, such as refrigerants as another major, but often overlooked concern, the report stated that it contributed to climate change and depletion of the ozone layer.
The report observed that the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change of Bangladesh issued the e-waste Management Rules in 2021, after nearly 10 years of talks.
The rules introduce the extended producer responsibility framework for e-waste management, requiring producers of almost all EEE to register with the Department of Environment, have an approved e-waste management plan and reach collection targets of 10 per cent in 2022, increasing annually by 10 percentage points to 50 per cent by 2026.
The report said that the government of Bangladesh had been unable to implement the rules despite the progress made.
M Shahidul Islam, chairman of the department of geography and environment at the University of Dhaka, told New Age that consumption of electrical and electronics enhanced in Bangladesh, so disposing these goods had become a matter of concern, as it was a densely populated country.
'Bangladesh has two main resources, water and soil. Either disposed EEE, or e-waste goes to water, or mixes in soil. Water and soil get polluted by the heavy metals of e-waste, such as lead,' he said.
'Specific policy and its implementation are needed for e-waste management. But e-waste management in Bangladesh is currently treated as a casual issue without much seriousness,' he added.
One of the main component of e-waste recycling is that of re-cycling plastic casings of electronics items. Other than recycling plastic drink containers, which Bangladesh is very good at recycling into PET fibre for polyester clothing etc., the recycling sector of plastic e-Waste is not as well developed.
There are vibrant sectors in both Pakistan and India on re-cycling plastic casings and there are burgeoning markets for recycled items and by products in both countries, both larger commercial level products like road substrate and brick/masonry items as well as Handicraft level products. There could be opportunities to take lessons from both.
Saif
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A radical economic shift is needed to save the planet
Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction.
A radical economic shift is needed to save the planet
Visual: Anwer Sohel
At The New York Times Climate Forward, an event held in New York in September this year that discussed the climate threats faced by Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was quite direct in saying that the current economic system is driving global environmental destruction and climate breakdown. This is a remarkable stance given that only a handful of world leaders dare to call out the big elephant in the room or even discuss this inconvenient truth.
Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction. The fundamental problem, according to him, is that modern economies are built around one destructive principle: maximising profit, even at the expense of the environment. The endless cycle of "buy, buy, buy" inevitably leads to waste, which is the very engine of the economy, while it's also driving environmental and climate crises. Every purchase fuels the fire that's burning down our home. For example, deforestation may contribute to an increase in the GDP, but it destroys ecosystems too. Similarly, tiger prawn farming in Bangladesh's southwestern coastal districts, promoted for export earnings, has wreaked havoc on the environment and local livelihoods by increasing soil salinity. This illustrates how destructive practices are justified in the name of economic growth, even as they threaten the very foundations of sustainable life and livelihood.
In the relentless pursuit of profit in our current economic structure, we ignore the immense cost of the environmental damage being inflicted on the planet. Six out of the nine planetary boundaries—critical thresholds that keep Earth habitable—are already overshot beyond their safe operating limits. These boundaries are interconnected, meaning a breach in one area, such as change in land use, affects other areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater contamination, etc. This interconnectedness underscores the urgent need to rethink how we design our economies, lifestyles, and consumption patterns that can have positive effects across these nine boundaries, not just reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change. If the breach of these boundaries stays long beyond their safe limits, the future of our planet is in jeopardy.
The chief adviser also noted that the current economic model has created staggering wealth inequality: a tiny group of elites are hoarding unimaginable wealth while the majority struggle to survive. The richest one percent has more wealth than the bottom 95 percent of the world population. In Bangladesh, both income and wealth inequalities have been exacerbated over the years; the top 10 percent of the population controls 41 percent of the country's total income, while the bottom 10 percent earns a measly 1.31 percent. It's a disgraceful and dangerous imbalance, and Yunus didn't shy away from calling out this disparity a "shame." His critique extended to the Paris Agreement, which he believes will fail as long as we operate within the same flawed profit-driven economic framework, which will never save us from ecological collapse as it is hardwired for failure. The so-called solutions we're pursuing currently—green growth, incremental reforms, greenwashed policies, non-binding international agreements, etc—are nothing but Band-Aids slapped on a gushing wound.
Growth and consumption cannot continue infinitely on a planet with finite resources; hence, GDP is not the right reference for us—it's a broken measure of success that celebrates destruction. Experts like Jason Hickel, who is a proponent of degrowth, argue that beyond a certain point, GDP growth is no longer correlated with well-being, particularly in wealthy nations in the Global North. Giorgos Kallis and others argue that the current consumption level and growth projections in the Global North will make it impossible to meet the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Several reports and scientific models support this grim forecast that our current global effort is far off the track in limiting temperature rises. Continuing along the current trajectory, even with green growth, will lead to warming far above two degrees Celsius, threatening ecological collapse and the sixth mass extinction.
What, then, is the way out of the current destructive economic model? It's simple: we need to discard GDP growth as the sole measure of progress and adopt a more holistic indicator that accounts for social, ecological and economic well-being. Beyond GDP or well-being, the approach to development that prioritises equality and holistic progress, rather than simply increasing wealth for a select few, is gaining traction among economists and experts in other fields, who are calling for a new measure—one that values human well-being and planetary health over the bloated bank accounts of billionaires.
In Bangladesh, a student-led mass uprising has brought the Yunus-led interim government to power. They enjoy a broad mandate to implement sweeping reforms to rebuild the nation. Unlike elected political governments, which are less likely to pursue such reforms for transformative change, the interim government has a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a new economic system that Yunus called for at The New York Times event.
By establishing a commission on "well-being economy," the interim administration could lead the charge in developing a new metric to replace GDP as the primary measure of social, economic, and political progress. The chief adviser has influential friends and allies around the world, who would be ideal candidates to serve on such a commission. A new economic system focused on social, ecological, and economic well-being—rather than GDP growth that exacerbates inequality, environmental degradation, and climate breakdown—could align with the hopes and aspirations of 17 crore people of the country, paving the way for a truly new Bangladesh.
Shamir Shehab is a public policy analyst focused on the intersection of climate change, environmental sustainability, and development. He is managing partner at Catalyzing Sustainable Transformation (CaST) Network.
Visual: Anwer Sohel
At The New York Times Climate Forward, an event held in New York in September this year that discussed the climate threats faced by Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was quite direct in saying that the current economic system is driving global environmental destruction and climate breakdown. This is a remarkable stance given that only a handful of world leaders dare to call out the big elephant in the room or even discuss this inconvenient truth.
Yunus termed the current economic framework "wrong" because it rewards destruction. The fundamental problem, according to him, is that modern economies are built around one destructive principle: maximising profit, even at the expense of the environment. The endless cycle of "buy, buy, buy" inevitably leads to waste, which is the very engine of the economy, while it's also driving environmental and climate crises. Every purchase fuels the fire that's burning down our home. For example, deforestation may contribute to an increase in the GDP, but it destroys ecosystems too. Similarly, tiger prawn farming in Bangladesh's southwestern coastal districts, promoted for export earnings, has wreaked havoc on the environment and local livelihoods by increasing soil salinity. This illustrates how destructive practices are justified in the name of economic growth, even as they threaten the very foundations of sustainable life and livelihood.
In the relentless pursuit of profit in our current economic structure, we ignore the immense cost of the environmental damage being inflicted on the planet. Six out of the nine planetary boundaries—critical thresholds that keep Earth habitable—are already overshot beyond their safe operating limits. These boundaries are interconnected, meaning a breach in one area, such as change in land use, affects other areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater contamination, etc. This interconnectedness underscores the urgent need to rethink how we design our economies, lifestyles, and consumption patterns that can have positive effects across these nine boundaries, not just reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change. If the breach of these boundaries stays long beyond their safe limits, the future of our planet is in jeopardy.
The chief adviser also noted that the current economic model has created staggering wealth inequality: a tiny group of elites are hoarding unimaginable wealth while the majority struggle to survive. The richest one percent has more wealth than the bottom 95 percent of the world population. In Bangladesh, both income and wealth inequalities have been exacerbated over the years; the top 10 percent of the population controls 41 percent of the country's total income, while the bottom 10 percent earns a measly 1.31 percent. It's a disgraceful and dangerous imbalance, and Yunus didn't shy away from calling out this disparity a "shame." His critique extended to the Paris Agreement, which he believes will fail as long as we operate within the same flawed profit-driven economic framework, which will never save us from ecological collapse as it is hardwired for failure. The so-called solutions we're pursuing currently—green growth, incremental reforms, greenwashed policies, non-binding international agreements, etc—are nothing but Band-Aids slapped on a gushing wound.
Growth and consumption cannot continue infinitely on a planet with finite resources; hence, GDP is not the right reference for us—it's a broken measure of success that celebrates destruction. Experts like Jason Hickel, who is a proponent of degrowth, argue that beyond a certain point, GDP growth is no longer correlated with well-being, particularly in wealthy nations in the Global North. Giorgos Kallis and others argue that the current consumption level and growth projections in the Global North will make it impossible to meet the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Several reports and scientific models support this grim forecast that our current global effort is far off the track in limiting temperature rises. Continuing along the current trajectory, even with green growth, will lead to warming far above two degrees Celsius, threatening ecological collapse and the sixth mass extinction.
What, then, is the way out of the current destructive economic model? It's simple: we need to discard GDP growth as the sole measure of progress and adopt a more holistic indicator that accounts for social, ecological and economic well-being. Beyond GDP or well-being, the approach to development that prioritises equality and holistic progress, rather than simply increasing wealth for a select few, is gaining traction among economists and experts in other fields, who are calling for a new measure—one that values human well-being and planetary health over the bloated bank accounts of billionaires.
In Bangladesh, a student-led mass uprising has brought the Yunus-led interim government to power. They enjoy a broad mandate to implement sweeping reforms to rebuild the nation. Unlike elected political governments, which are less likely to pursue such reforms for transformative change, the interim government has a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a new economic system that Yunus called for at The New York Times event.
By establishing a commission on "well-being economy," the interim administration could lead the charge in developing a new metric to replace GDP as the primary measure of social, economic, and political progress. The chief adviser has influential friends and allies around the world, who would be ideal candidates to serve on such a commission. A new economic system focused on social, ecological, and economic well-being—rather than GDP growth that exacerbates inequality, environmental degradation, and climate breakdown—could align with the hopes and aspirations of 17 crore people of the country, paving the way for a truly new Bangladesh.
Shamir Shehab is a public policy analyst focused on the intersection of climate change, environmental sustainability, and development. He is managing partner at Catalyzing Sustainable Transformation (CaST) Network.
Saif
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No end in sight to river grab, pollution as yet
THE River Buriganga, the ecological lifeline of Dhaka, faces a slow death. The photograph that New Age published on October 30 shows unabated encroachment on the river land and the unchecked dumping of polythene bags and rubbish in the river at Islambagh in Dhaka. Untreated liquid industrial...
www.newagebd.net
No end in sight to river grab, pollution as yet
31 October, 2024, 00:00
THE River Buriganga, the ecological lifeline of Dhaka, faces a slow death. The photograph that New Age published on October 30 shows unabated encroachment on the river land and the unchecked dumping of polythene bags and rubbish in the river at Islambagh in Dhaka. Untreated liquid industrial effluents discharged into the river indiscriminately has left the river biologically dead as the level of dissolved oxygen — needed for the survival of fish and other aquatic animals — became very low. Dockyards have run illegally for decades, encroaching on the Buriganga along a stretch between Keraniganj and Narayanganj. The faulty demarcation of the river by the custodians, including the administration of two districts, the Inland Water Transport Authority and the environment department, has created further scope of encroachment. Despite High Court directives, the enactment of laws and policy-level decisions, the recently deposed Awami League-led government failed to end the pollution and encroachment on the river land. The interim government has repeatedly talked about saving rivers as its priority agenda but it has so far made no decisive move to reclaim rivers since it assumed office.
The failure of successive governments in protecting the River Buriganga as well as other rivers is a failure to perform their mandated duty. Article 18(A) of the constitution states that the state will endeavour to protect and conserve rivers, wetland and forests. Other laws — the Bangladesh Water Act 2013, the National River Conservation Commission Act 2013, and the Environment Conservation Act 1995 — also oblige the government to protect the rivers. Successive governments, however, have not taken the issue of river protection seriously. In the past, eviction drives by the Inland Water Transport Authority against dockyards excluded the ones owned and run by politically influential quarters. Industrial units near the Burganga have been in operation without treatment plants but they have rarely faced any penalty. Under pressure from green activists, the National River Conservation Commission Act was made. But, it has not structurally evolved to play an effective role. In 2012, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority prepared a sewerage master plan, which proposed 11 sewage treatment plants in and around the city. However, most of plants are still in planning stages, encouraging an illegal use of storm sewers. In the name of road network development, public agencies violate environmental laws and encroach on river land. Roads and Highway Department statistics show that at least 35 U-turns or U-loops are constructed, filling major rivers on the Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Aricha highways. The division has filled about 30–40 feet of Karnapara canal near Savar with municipal waste to construct a U-loop on the Dhaka–Aricha highway, negatively influencing the navigability the Buriganga and its channels.
Considering that the economic and ecological integrity is dependent on the river system, the interim government should take issues of river management seriously and protect rivers from being encroached on. Errant industrial unit owners should also be held to account.
31 October, 2024, 00:00
THE River Buriganga, the ecological lifeline of Dhaka, faces a slow death. The photograph that New Age published on October 30 shows unabated encroachment on the river land and the unchecked dumping of polythene bags and rubbish in the river at Islambagh in Dhaka. Untreated liquid industrial effluents discharged into the river indiscriminately has left the river biologically dead as the level of dissolved oxygen — needed for the survival of fish and other aquatic animals — became very low. Dockyards have run illegally for decades, encroaching on the Buriganga along a stretch between Keraniganj and Narayanganj. The faulty demarcation of the river by the custodians, including the administration of two districts, the Inland Water Transport Authority and the environment department, has created further scope of encroachment. Despite High Court directives, the enactment of laws and policy-level decisions, the recently deposed Awami League-led government failed to end the pollution and encroachment on the river land. The interim government has repeatedly talked about saving rivers as its priority agenda but it has so far made no decisive move to reclaim rivers since it assumed office.
The failure of successive governments in protecting the River Buriganga as well as other rivers is a failure to perform their mandated duty. Article 18(A) of the constitution states that the state will endeavour to protect and conserve rivers, wetland and forests. Other laws — the Bangladesh Water Act 2013, the National River Conservation Commission Act 2013, and the Environment Conservation Act 1995 — also oblige the government to protect the rivers. Successive governments, however, have not taken the issue of river protection seriously. In the past, eviction drives by the Inland Water Transport Authority against dockyards excluded the ones owned and run by politically influential quarters. Industrial units near the Burganga have been in operation without treatment plants but they have rarely faced any penalty. Under pressure from green activists, the National River Conservation Commission Act was made. But, it has not structurally evolved to play an effective role. In 2012, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority prepared a sewerage master plan, which proposed 11 sewage treatment plants in and around the city. However, most of plants are still in planning stages, encouraging an illegal use of storm sewers. In the name of road network development, public agencies violate environmental laws and encroach on river land. Roads and Highway Department statistics show that at least 35 U-turns or U-loops are constructed, filling major rivers on the Dhaka–Chattogram and Dhaka–Aricha highways. The division has filled about 30–40 feet of Karnapara canal near Savar with municipal waste to construct a U-loop on the Dhaka–Aricha highway, negatively influencing the navigability the Buriganga and its channels.
Considering that the economic and ecological integrity is dependent on the river system, the interim government should take issues of river management seriously and protect rivers from being encroached on. Errant industrial unit owners should also be held to account.
