Bangladesh faces serious environmental challenges. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, it struggles with floods, storms, and pollution. Millions of people are affected every year. According to the Long-Term Climate Risk Index, Bangladesh ranks 13th globally. In the last two decades, over 185 extreme weather events have resulted in significant loss of life and economic damage—around 11,450 deaths and more than Tk 372 crore in losses.
In response to these challenges, Bangladesh has made strides in environmental governance. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), adopted in 2009, was one of the first comprehensive climate policies in developing nations. It aims to build resilience and tackle environmental issues. The Environment Court Act of 2010 established specialized courts to deal with environmental offenses, enhancing regulatory enforcement. Moreover, the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) was created to support climate adaptation projects using domestic resources.
The Constitution was amended in 2011 to mandate protection for natural resources and biodiversity, further solidifying the country’s commitment to environmental governance. In 2018, the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 was introduced. This plan focuses on managing water, addressing climate impacts, and land use to reduce risks from floods and droughts.
However, the progress made under previous administrations has faced setbacks. The interim government, which was in power from 2024 to early 2026, saw a decline in environmental funding. The Ministry of Environment only received about 0.23-0.27% of the national budget in those years, far below the 1% experts say is necessary for effective action. Spending on environmental initiatives fell during this time, with the overall annual development program (ADP) reaching its lowest implementation rate in nearly five decades.
Public frustration grew as illegal activities, like sand extraction from rivers, caused significant ecological damage, highlighting weak regulatory enforcement.
Now, with a new government in power, there is a renewed chance to revitalize environmental governance. Commitments in the new administration’s election manifesto include planting 250 million trees and enhancing waste management practices. These actions aim to connect ecological health with economic opportunities.
Yet, these initiatives often feel piecemeal. Over the past 20 years, Bangladesh has laid a strong policy foundation for environmental governance, but translating policy into practice remains a hurdle. Without robust regulatory frameworks and adequate funding, even well-meaning projects might fall short of creating real change.
As Bangladesh looks to the future, the government must focus on enforcing policies and improving coordination between ministries. Strong institutional commitment and investment can help turn the country’s environmental vision into concrete results.
Bangladesh’s journey in environmental governance reflects resilience in the face of challenges. The return of elected leadership offers hope for renewed momentum to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable future.
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