Environmental Politics in Bangladesh: Balancing Development and Sustainability

Dr Matiur Rahman :

Environmental politics in Bangladesh represents a complex balance between the nation’s ambitions for economic development and the urgent need for environmental sustainability. In recent decades, Bangladesh has pursued rapid industrialisation and infrastructure development as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
However, this growth comes at a significant environmental cost, as the country faces escalating challenges related to pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change. The political debates surrounding these issues reflect the tensions between short-term economic gains and the long-term need to protect natural resources and build resilience to climate risks.
Bangladesh’s industrialisation has driven its economic success, particularly in textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture. These industries have employed millions and contributed to poverty reduction, making Bangladesh a model for development in many respects. However, the environmental consequences of unregulated industrial growth are increasingly difficult to ignore.
Rivers and air in major industrial zones, such as Dhaka and Chittagong, are heavily polluted due to untreated factory waste and emissions. The political discourse on this issue is often polarised, with one side advocating for stronger environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms. In contrast, others argue that stringent regulations could hamper economic growth and job creation.
Infrastructure development is another area where environmental politics comes into play. The government of Bangladesh has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, power plants, and ports, to support its growing population and economy. While these projects are essential for modernising the country and improving the standard of living, they often lead to environmental degradation.
Large-scale infrastructure projects frequently encroach on wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands, disrupting ecosystems and displacing communities. Critics argue that ecological impact assessments for such projects are either inadequate or ignored, leading to irreversible environmental damage. Proponents, however, emphasise the importance of infrastructure for national development, suggesting that ecological concerns must be secondary to the need for progress.
Climate change is perhaps Bangladesh’s most pressing environmental issue, given the country’s vulnerability to rising sea levels, increased flood frequency, and other extreme weather events. Bangladesh is a low-lying deltaic nation on the frontlines of global climate change, with millions of people at risk of displacement due to coastal erosion and flooding.
This has made climate change a central focus of environmental politics in the country, with both the government and civil society recognising the need for urgent action. Bangladesh has been a vocal advocate for climate justice internationally, arguing that developed nations should take greater responsibility for mitigating climate change and supporting vulnerable countries like Bangladesh through funding and technology transfer.
However, implementing effective climate adaptation strategies domestically presents challenges. Political debates often centre around resource allocation, as climate resilience projects require a substantial financial investment. The government has initiated several climate adaptation programs, including constructing dams and cyclone shelters and community-based approaches to disaster management.
However, questions remain about these efforts’ efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. Corruption, mismanagement, and the politicisation of climate projects can undermine their effectiveness, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to the impacts of climate change.
Balancing development and environmental sustainability is further complicated because Bangladesh’s population continues to grow, increasing the demand for resources and infrastructure. The challenge for policymakers is how to meet the needs of a growing population while ensuring that development is environmentally sustainable.
Political debates on this issue often pit short-term economic interests against the long-term goal of sustainability. On one hand, there is a need to continue industrialisation and infrastructure development to maintain economic growth and reduce poverty. On the other hand, unchecked development risks depleting the country’s natural resources and exacerbating the effects of climate change, which could undermine long-term development prospects.
Civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in shaping environmental politics in Bangladesh. Environmental activists and NGOs often challenge government policies prioritising economic growth over environmental protection, advocating for stronger laws and greater enforcement to safeguard natural resources.
They also raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and hold both the government and private sector accountable for environmental degradation. However, their efforts are frequently resisted by political elites and business interests, who view environmental regulations as a barrier to economic progress.
The role of international actors in Bangladesh’s environmental politics is also significant. Global development organisations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations, have funded and supported environmental initiatives in Bangladesh, particularly in climate adaptation.
International pressure has also pushed Bangladesh to adopt more environmentally friendly policies, such as commitments to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. However, the extent to which these international influences translate into meaningful change remains debatable, as many environmental challenges in Bangladesh are deeply rooted in local political and economic dynamics.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition that environmental sustainability and development are not mutually exclusive but somewhat interconnected. The idea of sustainable development, which promotes economic growth while ensuring the protection of the environment, has gained traction in Bangladesh’s policy circles.
This shift in thinking is reflected in national development plans, such as the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, which aims to integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability into long-term development strategies. While this represents a positive step forward, implementing such plans remains challenging, as it requires political will, institutional capacity, and coordination among various stakeholders.
Environmental politics in Bangladesh is shaped by the country’s struggle to balance rapid development with the need for ecological sustainability. The political debates surrounding industrialisation, infrastructure development, and climate change reflect the tensions between economic growth and the protection of natural resources.
While there is growing awareness of the importance of sustainability, implementing effective policies remains challenging in the face of political and economic pressures. Bangladesh’s future environment will depend on the ability of its political leaders, civil society, and international partners to work together to find solutions that promote both development and sustainability.

(The writer is a researcher
and development worker.)