Bangladesh faces significant environmental challenges due to its vulnerability to environmental degradation and climate change impacts. Factors such as its riverine geography, low-lying coastal areas, high population density, and limited capacity to cope with environmental changes have exposed millions of people to various hazards like floods, storms, cyclones, ecosystem degradation, and pollution. The country currently ranks 13th globally in the Long-Term Climate Risk Index, with 185 extreme weather events in the past two decades resulting in 11,450 deaths and economic losses amounting to Tk 372 crore. The ongoing degradation of environmental conditions also poses a threat to social stability, making environmental considerations increasingly crucial in national policy discussions.
In recent years, Bangladesh has made significant strides in environmental governance. Efforts have been made to address the country’s environmental vulnerability through the implementation of policies and institutional frameworks. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) was introduced in 2009, emphasizing priorities for adaptation, mitigation, and institutional capacity building. The Environment Court Act of 2010 established specialized courts to handle environmental offenses, while the creation of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) demonstrated a commitment to funding climate adaptation initiatives domestically.
Constitutional recognition was granted to environmental protection in 2011 through the inclusion of Article 18A, which mandates the state to safeguard natural resources, biodiversity, forests, wildlife, and wetlands. The development of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 in 2018 aimed to integrate water management, climate change, and land-use strategies to mitigate flood, drought, and salinity risks in specific hotspots. These initiatives laid a strong foundation for environmental governance and policy development in addressing the country’s environmental priorities.
However, during the interim administration from August 2024 to February 2026, there was a noticeable decline in environmental and climate change actions. Budget allocations for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change were significantly lower than recommended levels, resulting in a gap between policy commitments and actual implementation. The period also saw incidents of environmental damage, highlighting weaknesses in regulatory enforcement.
With a new government in power, there is an opportunity to revitalize environmental governance in Bangladesh. The government has outlined commitments in its election manifesto to enhance environmental protection, including tree plantation initiatives, waste management programs, pollution control measures, and water resource management strategies. While these commitments are positive, there is a need for a comprehensive governance framework to ensure effective implementation. Strengthening regulatory institutions, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, and securing sufficient environmental financing are crucial for translating policy intentions into tangible environmental outcomes.
The return of elected political leadership offers a chance to restore momentum in environmental governance in Bangladesh. By strengthening institutional commitment, improving regulatory enforcement, and making strategic investments, the country can build on its policy foundations and progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
