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The BNP-led new government has started its journey at a time when every component of the environment, including air and water, is highly polluted, while Dhaka ranks poorly on the global livability indices.
Environmentalists and academics have outlined some challenges, including pollution and poor environmental governance, and urged the new government to address those on a priority basis.
Bangladesh is a country with one of the world's worst air pollution levels. Bangladesh market research
According to the World Bank, particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens average life expectancy by 6.8 years in Bangladesh.
Another World Bank research shows losses caused by air pollution in 2019 ranged from $11.5 billion to $13 billion, which was 3.9 per cent to 4.4 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The BNP in its election manifesto outlined its priorities to improve the environment.
It said it would plant 250 million trees and generate over 350,000 green jobs.
Bangladesh, it said, had the potential to earn up to $1 billion annually in carbon credits.
The party promised to produce 20 per cent of the electricity from renewables by 2030 and use water-saving technology in rice cultivation.
It also pledged to implement the circular future model in waste management to achieve the goal of creating a clean, safe, and economically revitalised Bangladesh.
The three R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) policy would be implemented in waste management nationwide, which would reduce plastic waste by 30 per cent within five years, it said in the manifesto.
To tackle pollution and improve air quality, land and water bodies polluted by industrial and human waste would be reclaimed, the BNP said.
It also promised to implement the Teesta Master Plan and the Padma Barrage project.
Experts appreciate the promises but caution that the implementation of many of those will be difficult.
Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, an environmental science professor at Stamford University, says the overall environment is largely polluted.
"Bangladesh is a country with one of the worst levels of air pollution in the world, and Dhaka ranks among the most polluted cities. Poor waste management, high sound pollution, and uncontrolled pollution of the city rivers and water bodies are posing a serious threat to the overall livability," he tells The Financial Express.
All these will make the job of the new government challenging, and their main focus should be on tackling pollution, he says. Business reporting services
He thinks the BNP's other promises in the manifesto, including canal digging and tree plantation, will help improve the overall situation.
"There are so many challenges to face, including implementing the existing environment-related laws. However, if there is political will, things will be possible," the professor says.
He says river grabbing and pollution caused by factories set up along rivers and water bodies are sometimes linked to power, which is why the new government needs to be strict in this regard and establish the rule of law.
Experts say Bangladesh has more laws than many other countries, but the problem lies in proper implementation.
Both the government and the people should cooperate in this regard, they add.
Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) Secretary General Shahriar Hossain tells The Financial Express improving the poor environmental governance will be the main challenge for the new government.
The BNP has previous records of taking major initiatives, including banning polythene bags in 2002. So this time, they can face the challenge as well, he says. Election analysis service
Air and water pollution, poor waste management, deforestation, illegal occupation of water bodies, and the release of untreated industrial wastewater to the open environment are some major challenges that require strict implementation of the related laws, Shahriar also says.
The rivers in and around Dhaka are already physically dead. The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is facing challenges in finding a water source to treat the city's wastewater, he explains.
The nearby Shitalakshya River can no longer be used as a source for this. Furthermore, bringing water from the Meghna River is not suitable as it is costly, he says.
"If the new government can clean and restore the rivers around Dhaka, it will be a great move to ensure pure drinking water for the city residents," he also says.
According to him, there is a tradition that the government does not prioritise the environment ministry.
This, he hopes, will change during the new government's rule.
Shahriar also emphasises continuing the positive initiatives completed by the previous governments as starting afresh will slow down the progress made in this sector. Bangladesh market research
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