Like many other countries around the world, Bangladesh is facing an escalating environmental crisis. Climate change impacts, pollution, biodiversity loss and the degradation of natural resources are becoming increasingly severe. To confront these challenges, we need timely strategies and fresh perspectives.
At the start of the new year, the newly formed cabinet appointed Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury as the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. We extend our congratulations to him. During the 12th National Parliamentary Elections, he introduced the concept of a “Green Election” in his Dhaka-9 constituency—the first of its kind in Bangladesh—to help reduce environmental pollution. As the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Climate Change and former Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, expectations are naturally high from his leadership. Against this backdrop, I wish to highlight the following points:
1. Effective research
Research is indispensable in tackling Bangladesh’s environmental crises, biodiversity loss, climate impacts, pollution, and conservation challenges. Unfortunately, while some sectors produce quality research, the majority of studies on environment, biodiversity, and climate change impacts fall short. Often, reports repeat the same findings or publish in low-quality journals while claiming to be significant research.
Take biodiversity conservation, for example. Despite years of investment in research and awareness, we still know almost nothing about nearly 70% of Bangladesh’s biodiversity. The Bangladesh Biodiversity Act, 2017 calls for the preparation and preservation of biodiversity registries, yet there are no practical measures to ensure how experts will acquire the necessary knowledge. What is needed is a large pool of skilled researchers specializing in animals, plants, and microorganisms, along with permanent institutional infrastructure. Projects alone cannot deliver these results. The same applies to pollution control, climate adaptation, and natural resource management—none are possible without quality research.
2. Use of artificial intelligence
Around the world—in the United States, China, the Netherlands, Brazil, and India—artificial intelligence (AI) is being deployed in environmental monitoring and management. Remote sensing and image analysis now help track land use, deforestation, and urbanization. AI can assess air and water quality, monitor climate change, and provide early warnings for natural disasters. It has also proven effective in waste management and smart energy grid systems. Bangladesh must integrate AI into environmental governance to stay ahead.
3. Recruitment of skilled personnel
According to the Department of Environment’s Annual Report (2022–23), the department has an approved manpower of 1,133 but only 586 are currently employed, with recruitment of 275 more in process. This is grossly inadequate. From villages to cities, pollution caused by human activities is spreading daily. To scientifically monitor and report these issues, the department urgently needs skilled and qualified personnel, including experienced researchers and scientists. Unlike other countries where government environmental agencies employ significant numbers of scientists, Bangladesh lags far behind. Without professional expertise, pollution control will remain ineffective.
4. Establishment of Biodiversity research centers or natural history museums
To conserve biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use, Bangladesh urgently needs biodiversity research institutions—both at the central and regional levels. A central institute and one in each administrative division (Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, Mymensingh) should be established without delay.
Such institutions should be built on five pillars:
Survey: Field-based species documentation and database creation
Monitoring: Identifying threats, conducting research, and implementing actions
Strategy Development: Designing effective conservation approaches
Sample Collection: Building specimen and DNA repositories
Sustainable Use: Exploring new resources, ensuring sustainable utilization, education, and training
5. Correct translation of “Wildlife”
The term “wildlife” should not be translated as bannya pranī (“wild animals”), but rather as bannya pran (“wild life”), since it refers to all wild organisms, not only animals. Dictionaries and international organizations define it as such, and Bangladesh should adopt the accurate meaning.
6. Ending the misuse of the word “Pratibesh”
In recent years, the word pratibesh (neighbor) has been wrongly used as a substitute for “ecosystem” or “environment” in terms like poribesh-pratibesh, pratibesagoto, or pratibes byabostha. This distortion has spread across media, publications, laws, and even the Department of Environment’s Annual Report (2022–23). If this continues, one day the “Department of Environment” may absurdly become the “Department of Pratibesh.” This misuse must be stopped immediately.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change needs both short-term and long-term plans to implement the above proposals. However, proposals five and six require minimal planning and can be addressed promptly.
Vice-Chancellor, North Bengal International University
Professor (Retired), University of Rajshahi
