Bangladesh is entering a new era following the ousting of its previous authoritarian regime. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate, now leading the interim government, faces the urgent task of implementing necessary reforms before the general election. The foremost challenge confronting this new administration is addressing the aftermath of recent floods that have affected over 5.4 million people across different districts. With floodwaters receding, the focus has shifted to post-flood recovery. Encouragingly, people from all walks of life and numerous organisations have rallied to support the flood victims.
However, the damage caused by recent floods has been exacerbated by environmental issues. Unplanned resource management has disrupted ecological balance: water bodies are filled in, and hills are flattened, making it difficult for rivers to retain or channel floodwaters effectively. The previous regime's environmental policies have left deep scars. Rampant deforestation, river encroachment, and waste dumping have created a cascade of environmental issues. Notably, development projects initiated by the former government, such as the Matarbari coal power plant and the Rampal power plant, have been criticised for their environmental hazards. These projects, deemed hazardous and non-eco-friendly, were pursued despite warnings and opposition.
In addition to these issues, powerful individuals have exploited environmental resources for profit. Mangrove forests in Sonadia and Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, have been destroyed for shrimp farming, and hills in Sylhet have been indiscriminately cut down. The Sundarbans and other ecologically sensitive areas face threats from unregulated tourism. Between 2001 and 2023, Bangladesh lost approximately 246,000 hectares of forest, leaving only 15.58 per cent forest cover compared to the ideal 25 per cent. This deforestation exacerbates the country's climate vulnerability.
Under Dr. Yunus's leadership, there is hope for a greener future. His vision includes achieving zero net carbon emissions. Recently, significant steps have been taken, such as banning plastic bottles at the state guest house Jamuna and supporting an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty, as advocated by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. The interim government has also formed a committee to evaluate the environmental risks of a controversial safari park project in Lathitila, Moulvibazar, and relocated a technical centre from a forested area to protect the habitat of Asian wild elephants.
Addressing toxic waste is another priority. For instance, Brahmanbaria has seen outbreaks of waterborne diseases linked to toxic waste flowing from India's Tripura state. This issue must be tackled urgently to protect public health.
Jeba Tasnim Binta Alamgir
Student
Department of English
University of Dhaka
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