Environmental Protection in Bangladesh. Challenges and Remedies

 

Introduction 

Environmental protection is an issue of utmost importance, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with limited resources and high levels of poverty. Environmental degradation poses significant challenges for the country's economic, social, and ecological sustainability. The country has been grappling with a range of environmental issues, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, air pollution, and climate change.
The protection of the environment is essential for the long-term survival of Bangladesh. The country is vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts, which can have severe impacts on the economy and the lives of the people. Environmental protection in Bangladesh faces several challenges, including a lack of political will, inadequate policies and regulations, and limited resources. Addressing these challenges requires significant efforts and collaboration from various stakeholders.
In this assignment, we will explore the environmental protection situation in Bangladesh, the challenges it faces, and the possible remedies. We will examine the causes and impacts of environmental degradation and discuss the policies and initiatives taken by the government, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address the issues. We will also discuss the role of technology, community involvement, and international cooperation in environmental protection. The assignment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental challenges in Bangladesh and the potential solutions to promote a sustainable future.
 
 
Major Environmental Challenges in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a developing country. Due to its geographical location and the conduct of internal development activities, it poses various risks to its environment. Some of the major issues are :

a) Water pollution : Water pollution is a natural or induced change in the quality of water which renders it unsuitable or dangerous as regards food, human and animal health, industry, agriculture, or fishing etc. However, In Bangladesh water pollutes in several ways like chemical pollutants, fertilizer, insecticide, pesticides etc. Arsenic poisoning is another cause of anxiety. Arsenic contamination of groundwater has affected 59 of the 64 districts in Bangladesh where arsenic levels have been found to be above the nationally accepted limit.
It is reported that above 21 million people are currently exposed to arsenic contamination and approximately 70 million people may be at risk.
DPHE, British Geological Survey and Mott MacDonald Ltd. survey (approximately 3500 samples) throughout Bangladesh, but excluding the Chittagong Hill Tracts, revealed that 27% of the shallow tube-wells are contaminated with arsenic above the level of 0.05 mg/l and 46% of the shallow tube-wells tested are contaminated with arsenic above the WHO guideline 0.01 mg/l. [¹]

b) Air pollution : According to the Department of Environment (DoE), the density of airborne particulate matter (PM) reaches 463 micrograms per cubic meter (mcm) in Dhaka during December-March period – the highest level in the world. Mexico City and Mumbai follow Dhaka with 383 and 360 mcm respectively. (The Daily Star, November 11, 2009). City dwellers and road users regularly breathe, contains lead in concentrations reportedly almost ten times higher than the government safety standard set by the Department of Environment. (The Daily Star, April 12, 2008). Industrialization and mechanized vehicles are two major sources of air pollution in any country. The main pollutants from gasoline-powered internal combustion engines are carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulates of lead compound and unburned carbon particles. Emissions from diesel engines are smoke, carbon monoxide, unburned carbon, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Air pollution seriously affects the respiratory tract and causes irritation, headache, asthma, high blood pressure, heart ailments and even cancer.

c) Deforestation : Deforestation encompasses the eradication of woodland, both via natural causes and human endeavors like lumbering, cultivation, and urbanization. In Bangladesh, deforestation has been a persistent issue, particularly due to the country's rapid population growth and urbanization. The conversion of forested lands into agricultural fields, commercial timber production, and rapid expansion of urban areas have all contributed to the loss of valuable forested regions. This has had numerous impacts on the country, including the degradation of soil quality, altered water cycles, and the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, deforestation has contributed to the country's vulnerability to climate change, as the loss of forests means there is less carbon sequestration and fewer areas for wildlife to find refuge from the effects of changing climates. Forest coverage in Bangladesh is at one of the lowest rates in the world. A 2009 Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report shows that 6.7 percent of the country’s surface area is covered by forest, however weak environmental legislation and pressures of a growing population results in the loss of 2,000 hectares of forest per year. FAO also reports that the total volume of forest decreased from 2.27 million meters squared in 1985 to nearly 0.650 million meters squared in 1996. It estimated that the worst-affected forests of Bangladesh were the inland deciduous Sal forests, with more than half being depleted. Syed Ajijur Rahman, a Center for International Forestry Research scientist and coauthor of a new journal article titled Extent and Consequences of Tropical Forest Degradation: Successive Policy Options for Bangladesh. Deforestation and degradation on Bangladesh downstream life results in frequent and heavy flooding and rapid siltation. He also said that, “This impacts on agricultural productivity as some common crop varieties such as rice, wheat and corn, are not tolerant to salinity, and flooding also affects people’s livelihoods.”

d) Droughts : Drought is common in Bangladesh, especially in the northwestern districts of Bangladesh. It has become a recurrent natural phenomenon of northwestern Bangladesh. There are three types of drought happened including permanent drought, seasonal drought and contingent drought. In Bangladesh, The last two types are more comprehensive these types of rot occurs caused by irregularities in recognised rainy and dry season and by irregular rainfall. Drought can have a devastating impact on Bangladesh, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population. Drought can reduce crop yields, leading to lower incomes for farmers and increased food prices for consumers. It can also cause water scarcity, affecting irrigation and drinking water supply, and impact livestock and fisheries, reducing their production levels.

Drought can have a severe impact on the economy of Bangladesh, reducing the production of crops and livestock, leading to lower export earnings, and increasing the prices of food and other commodities. It can also impact the social conditions, particularly for the rural poor, increasing poverty and food insecurity, and impacting the overall health and wellbeing of communities.
To address the impacts of drought in Bangladesh, several measures can be taken, such as promoting drought-resistant crops, improving irrigation systems, developing rainwater harvesting systems, and implementing drought early warning systems. These measures can help mitigate the impact of drought and build resilience to future drought events.

e) Depletion of biodiversity : Bangladesh is a country with a rich natural heritage, home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. However, this biodiversity is increasingly under threat due to various human activities. The depletion of biodiversity in Bangladesh is a major concern, and it is important to understand the causes and impacts of this problem.
One of the primary reasons for the depletion of biodiversity in Bangladesh is deforestation. The country has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, with forests being cleared for agriculture, infrastructure development, and human settlements. This has resulted in the loss of habitat for many plant and animal species, and has also disrupted the ecological balance of the region. Another major cause of biodiversity depletion in Bangladesh is pollution. The country's rapid industrialization and urbanization has led to increased pollution of air, water, and soil. This has had a negative impact on the health and survival of many plant and animal species, and has also reduced the availability of natural resources. The impact of biodiversity depletion in Bangladesh is significant. The loss of plant and animal species can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem, leading to a loss of ecological services such as pollination, soil fertility, and water regulation. This can have a direct impact on human well-being, as these services are essential for food production, clean water, and other basic needs.

In addition, the loss of biodiversity can also have economic consequences. Many plant and animal species in Bangladesh have medicinal, agricultural, or other commercial value, and their loss can impact industries that rely on these resources. This can also have a ripple effect on the livelihoods of people who depend on these industries for their income. To address the issue of biodiversity depletion in Bangladesh, it is important to take a multi-pronged approach. This can include measures such as promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, reducing pollution, and increasing public awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Efforts must be made to protect the natural habitats of plant and animal species, and to restore ecosystems that have been damaged by human activities.

f) Disposal of solid waste : In Bangladesh, the disposal of solid waste is a major concern as the population grows and consumption patterns change. Daily waste generation is between 4000 to 4500 tons, and much of it is improperly disposed of, leading to environmental degradation. In the municipal area, the per capita waste generation rate is 0.41 kg/day, but the waste collection situation is not satisfactory. Dhaka city alone produces over 3000 tons of household waste daily, and less than half of it is collected. Mismanagement of solid waste causes methane emissions, bad odor, and the spread of communicable diseases, as well as air, water, and land pollution. To address this issue, more initiatives like 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and 4Rs (Recover, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) are needed to improve waste management and policy formulation.

g) Noise pollution : Noise pollution is a significant problem in urban areas of Bangladesh due to industrial and urban growth. A study found that some residential areas in Dhaka had excessive sound pollution, exceeding the standard sound levels set by the Department of Environment. Sources of noise pollution include vehicles, loudspeakers, mills, factories, restaurants, and cinema halls. Exposure to excessive noise can lead to various health problems, such as hearing impairment, memory loss, nausea, high blood pressure, and heart ailments. The desired sound level varies from 25 dB in the bedroom to 45 dB in the city at night. The regular exposure to high decibel levels of noise pollution can cause mental and physical disorders in children. The issue of noise pollution in Bangladesh needs to be addressed to ensure a healthy living environment for its citizens.

h) Coastal erosion: Bangladesh's coastal areas are highly vulnerable to erosion, which is caused by a combination of natural factors such as storms and sea level rise, as well as human activities such as sand mining and coastal development. This can lead to loss of land, property, and infrastructure, and displacement of coastal communities.

Environmental policies in Bangladesh 

Bangladesh is one of the most environmentally vulnerable states. Without an effective legal framework and its proper implementation, it is not possible to combat the pressing needs of the environment. Therefore, Bangladesh has several laws and regulations to address environmental issues
 
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POLICY FRAMEWORK: 

The government has taken various initiatives to protect the environment. Bangladesh works with a system of five-year plans (FYPs). Currently, in the midst of the eighth FYP (2021?2025), the country will soon start developing the ninth FYP for 2026?2030. There are also long-term plans, such as the Perspective Plan 2041, Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (2021?2030), and Delta Plan 2100.(Financial Express, 19 February,2023).

The initiatives to achieve this goal, which include protecting the country against natural disasters, identifying and regulating activities that pollute and degrade the environment, and ensuring environmentally sound development in all sectors. "Delta Plan 2100" is a far-sighted decision of the current government to protect the environment. (Prof. Dr. Shamsul Alam, State Minister).  

Moreover, there also have, National Conservation Strategy -2091, published by MoEF. This strategy analyzes 18 sectors. It identifies different issues,suggests strategies for sustainable development and recommends different government and non-government organizations for implementing those actions. Environmental Policy -1992, there are several objectives of the environmental policy are including to maintain ecological balance and overall development through production and improvement of the environment, to protect the country against natural disaster etc. National Environmental Management Action Plan-1995. These rules and policies work to ensure sustainable environmental stability and a sound environment in Bangladesh.
There are different types of act to protect environment.

The Environment Court Act 2010, The Environment Court Act 2010 aims to quickly handle cases related to environmental harm, but people can't directly approach the court. An appointed investigator must file a report first. The goal of establishing an environment court in each district has not been met, and officials need better knowledge. These are obstacles to achieving environmental justice.

Moreover, The Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 aims to conserve biodiversity, allowing for the establishment of sanctuaries and parks while respecting cultural values. The Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kilns Establishment (Control) Act 2013 regulates the process, but compliance is lacking. The Bangladesh Biodiversity Act 2017 regulates access to biological resources and knowledge and benefits sharing.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK:

There is a National Environment Council (NEC) headed by Prime Minister herself. The another important institution "The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority, establish to promote renewable energy sources.
 

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, environmental protection in Bangladesh is a critical issue that requires urgent attention and action from various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector. The country faces significant challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, water and air pollution, and climate change. These challenges have severe impacts on the economy, the health and wellbeing of the people, and the country's ecological sustainability. To address these challenges, several measures have been taken, including the adoption of policies and regulations, initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, waste management, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, significant efforts are still needed to ensure the effective implementation of these measures and to overcome the challenges of political will, inadequate resources, and the lack of awareness among the people.
Therefore, promoting environmental protection in Bangladesh requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that involves the active participation of all stakeholders. This includes the adoption of appropriate policies and regulations, community involvement, public awareness, technology transfer, and international cooperation. With sustained efforts and collaboration, Bangladesh can overcome the environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future for its people and the planet.

appropriate remedies for addressing environmental issues 

Real impact can only be achieved by adopting an 'environment first' approach and making necessary amendments to environmental lows and policies. There are a lot of environmental  lows and policies but they are not implemented properly. Md  Abdul Kalam Azad, special envoy of Climate Vulnerable  Forum (CVF) Bangladesh and commissioner of the World Economic Forum and Biodiversity Commission, said 'the more law there is in the country, the more corruption there will be. Low makers will benefit from the weakness of the law.

Certainly! Here are some remedies to protect environmental issues in Bangladesh:

1.Promote sustainable practices: Encourage sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, promoting public transportation, recycling and proper waste management, and using eco-friendly products to reduce carbon emissions and waste.

2. Protect natural resources: Protect and preserve natural resources like forests, rivers, and wetlands by establishing protected areas, setting up regulations, and promoting sustainable land use practices.

3.Promote conservation awareness: Increase awareness among people about the importance of conservation and protecting the environment through education and awareness campaigns

4.mplement green technologies: Encourage the use of environmentally friendly technologies such as solar power, wind power, and biogas to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.

5. Regulate industries: Regulate industries and ensure that they follow environmentally responsible practices to minimize pollution and protect natural resources.

6.Implement laws and regulations: Enforce laws and regulations to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development.

7.Promote eco-tourism: Promote eco-tourism as a means of generating income for local communities while preserving the environment.

8. Encourage community participation: Encourage community participation in environmental protection efforts by involving them in decision-making processes and providing them with opportunities to take part in conservation activities.

9.  Promote organic farming: Encourage the use of organic farming practices that reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and promote soil health, which can reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.

10.  Address water pollution: Address water pollution by promoting proper wastewater treatment, enforcing regulations, and promoting sustainable water use practices to protect the country's rivers and other water resources.

11.  Address air pollution: Address air pollution by promoting cleaner energy sources, regulating emissions from factories and vehicles, and promoting sustainable transportation options such as bicycles and public transit.

12.Encourage sustainable urban planning: Encourage sustainable urban planning that promotes walkable neighborhoods, public transportation, and green spaces to reduce the environmental impact of urbanization.

13.Address climate change: Address climate change by promoting the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and preparing for the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, flooding, and more severe weather events.

14.  Promote responsible tourism: Promote responsible tourism that minimizes the environmental impact of tourism while providing economic benefits for local communities.

15. Engage in international cooperation: Engage in international cooperation to address environmental issues that affect Bangladesh, such as climate change and transboundary pollution, by working with other countries and international organizations.

These remedies can help protect environmental issues in Bangladesh and promote sustainable development. It's important to take action now to protect the environment for future generation.

Sources

1.  https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/views/frameworks-for-green-transition-in-bangladesh-1676735804

2. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/environment-protection-laws-are-not-enforced-properly-experts-424262%3famp

3. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thedailystar.net/law-our-rights/news/making-case-environmental-rule-law-bangladesh-2106989%3famp

4.https://byjusexamprep.com/government-schemes-ministry-of-environment-i

5. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thedailystar.net/law-our-rights/news/overview-environmental-laws-bangladesh-1753360%3famp
 

Written By : Md Fozla Rabby.

Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University.