The World Bank (WB) in 2018 reported that over a period of four decades, Dhaka lost 75 per cent of its wetlands to sand-filled areas where high-rises have sprung up. It’s no wonder that these areas now get inundated in the rainy season. Evidently, it is a patent case of urbanisation through degradation of the local land-water ecosystem. Displacement of the inhabitants of the areas so developed creates internal migrants. Habitat loss, on the other hand, leads to the loss of biodiversity of the place. But this kind of environmental degradation has been taking place also in smaller cities and towns. The development efforts made this way contribute to demoting the very quality of life they seek to improve. So far, Bangladesh, like many other developing and least developed nations has been following such a development path without protecting the life-supporting environment.
Experts have underscored the need for inclusive development considering the Bangladesh society and its environment. The models of the developed countries should not be copied. Bangladesh should draw up its own approach for green development. As Bangladesh is the poster child of climate change impacts, we should take each and every project considering the environment and our ecology. For this, the finance ministry should open a green finance window that will take the green development forward coordinating with all ministries.
Bangladesh must advance socially acceptable and environmentally viable green technology for development. Experts in a recent discussion have said several master plans, policies and strategies, including the Eighth Five-Year Plan, the Delta Plan and Mujib Climate Change Prosperity Plan, have been formulated for the country’s development. But they miss proper coordination and environment lenses, experts said.
Community involvement is important for inclusive and sustainable development. Climate change and pandemic risks are critical factors to address green growth in the future. If, South Korea and Colombia can ensure their economic development considering the environment and society, why not Bangladesh.
