World Day of Social Justice: Combating environmental pollution through global coalition

Prof Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder & Advocate Rasheduzzaman Majumder

Every year on February 20th, Bangladesh observes Social Justice Day-a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of social justice and promoting equitable opportunities for all its citizens.

This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made towards achieving social justice and to address the challenges that persist in ensuring equality, fairness, and dignity for every individual in society.

Every year, the theme of World Day of Social Justice highlights the urgent demand to address growing inequality in countries around the world.

This year the theme for World Day of Social Justice is “Global Coalition for Social Justice: Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances”. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need to bridge the gap between privilege and disadvantage.

Bangladesh, situated in South Asia, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Its rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to severe environmental degradation, with pollution emerging as a significant concern.

The country faces various forms of pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, as well as noise pollution and improper waste management practices. Air pollution in Bangladesh stems from a myriad of sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and brick kilns.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dhaka, the capital city, ranks among the most polluted cities globally in terms of air quality.

The high levels of particulate matter (PM and PM) pose severe health risks, contributing to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths among the population.

The rapid urbanization and industrialization in Bangladesh have resulted in increased noise pollution levels, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Construction activities, traffic congestion, and industrial machinery generate excessive noise, which not only disturbs the peace but also has adverse effects on human health, including hearing impairment, stress, and sleep disturbances.

The water bodies in Bangladesh, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, suffer from contamination due to industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage disposal.

The pollution of these water sources not only jeopardizes aquatic ecosystems but also undermines access to clean drinking water for millions of people.

Waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrheal infections are rampant in areas with poor water quality, exacerbating public health challenges. Industrial activities, indiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, and improper disposal of solid waste contribute to soil pollution in Bangladesh.

Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants accumulate in the soil, posing risks to agricultural productivity and food safety. Moreover, soil pollution can lead to long-term environmental degradation, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Inadequate waste management practices exacerbate environmental pollution in Bangladesh. The lack of proper waste collection and disposal infrastructure leads to the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in water bodies, open spaces, and landfills.

Plastic pollution is a significant concern, with single-use plastics clogging drains and waterways, posing hazards to wildlife and ecosystems.

The environmental pollution crisis in Bangladesh disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and perpetuating social injustice.

Vulnerable populations, including the urban poor, rural communities, and indigenous groups, bear the brunt of environmental degradation, experiencing adverse health outcomes, loss of livelihoods, and displacement.

The transboundary rivers that flow through Bangladesh, such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, are heavily polluted due to upstream activities in countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Industrial waste, sewage, agricultural runoff, and untreated effluents discharged into these rivers upstream adversely affect water quality in Bangladesh, leading to contamination of drinking water sources and harming aquatic ecosystems.

International environmental law principles, such as the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and the duty to prevent transboundary harm, provide a basis for addressing cross-boundary pollution issues.

Bangladesh can engage in diplomatic negotiations, utilize dispute resolution mechanisms, and seek recourse through international forums to address grievances related to transboundary pollution.

The World Day of Social Justice serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between social justice and environmental sustainability. In Bangladesh, addressing environmental pollution is not merely an environmental imperative but also a matter of social justice, human rights, and equitable development.

By adopting a rights-based approach to environmental protection, prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities, and fostering inclusive governance processes, Bangladesh can chart a path towards a more just and sustainable future for all its citizens.

On this World Day of Social Justice, let us reaffirm our commitment to tackling environmental pollution in Bangladesh. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, promoting social equity, and fostering inclusive development, we can create a brighter future for generations to come.

Through collective action and unwavering dedication, we can build a world where every individual enjoys the fundamental right to live in a clean and healthy environment.

To mitigate the impacts of cross-boundary pollution, Bangladesh can implement domestic policies and measures to reduce pollution from local sources, enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts, invest in clean technologies, promote sustainable land use and resource management practices, and engage in regional initiatives for pollution control and environmental conservation.

(Writers are Chairman, Dept. of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh, and Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
respectively.)