Shocking Decline: Agricultural and Forest Land Shrinks by 1.98% and 5.41% in Just 8 Years – What It Means for Our Future

Bangladesh has seen significant changes in land use over the past eight years. A recent report from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) highlights a drop in agricultural land and forests, paired with increased urbanization and waterbody expansion.

From 2015 to 2023, agricultural land shrank by nearly 2%. Forest cover decreased even more, losing about 5%. This shift was unveiled during a seminar at BBS in Agargaon, where top officials discussed the implications of these changes.

In 2015, around 50% of Bangladesh’s land—74,388 square kilometers—was dedicated to agriculture. By 2023, that number dropped to 72,916 square kilometers, reflecting the nation’s growing urban sprawl and industrialization. Forest areas also saw a decline from roughly 18,499 square kilometers to 17,498 square kilometers. While overall forest cover is down, there are silver linings. Areas of artificially planted forests rose by over 27%, pointing towards some efforts in afforestation.

The urban landscape grew, expanding from 33,140 square kilometers to 34,073 square kilometers, now making up about 23% of the nation’s land. Inland waterbodies, like rivers and lakes, increased too, showing a 6% rise, while coastal and estuarine areas grew dramatically by nearly 65%.

However, it’s not all positive. Grasslands and shrublands fell by 19% and 21%, respectively. These changes could pose serious challenges for Bangladesh, especially in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food security and environmental health.

Experts have voiced concerns. Dr. AK Enamul Haque noted that as land for housing expands, natural resources diminish. He warned that the declining soil quality could threaten agricultural sustainability. Reports have also shown that habitat loss is endangering biodiversity, pushing wildlife towards extinction.

In summary, while urban growth and increased waterbody areas offer some hope, the reduction in agricultural land and forests signals a need for better planning and conservation strategies to secure the future of Bangladesh’s environment and economy.

For further insights into these shifts, you can refer to the BBS report here.

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