ENVIRONMENTAL risks associated with coal power generation in Bangladesh are extensive and multifaceted, posing significant challenges to both the environment and public health. A poor management of storage in coal yards can often result in spontaneous fires because of improper handling, producing toxic fumes that expose workers to severe respiratory risks and contribute to air pollution. This problem is exacerbated by high temperatures, often exceeding 30°C, which increase the risk of spontaneous combustion because of coal’s low flashpoint. Workers’ health and safety are frequently jeopardised while the surrounding air quality deteriorates.
Water pollution is another critical concern. Chlorination is commonly used at intake points in rivers and seas to prevent algae and fungal growth in pipelines, but improper dosing and leaks can harm aquatic life. Toxic substances from chlorine bio-accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupting ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and negatively affecting fish populations. The declines impact local fisheries, livelihood and the overall health of the aquatic environment.
Air pollution from silo failures during coal handling compounds the problem. Cracks or failures in silos release fine particulate matters, such as PM2.5 and PM10, into the air. The particles often contain harmful heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead, which pose long-term health risks to nearby communities. This pollution is linked to increased respiratory diseases and environmental degradation, worsening living conditions in affected areas.
The discharge of waste water with high levels of suspended solids from dredging activities introduces additional environmental hazards. Sediment deposition alters riverbed and seabed topography, creating navigational hazards, increasing the risk of flooding and disrupting aquatic habitats. Such changes destabilise ecosystems and jeopardise the survival of aquatic species that rely on these habitats.
A critical governance gap in Bangladesh’s environmental regulatory framework exacerbates the challenges. Government-contractor agreements often lack penalty clauses for environmental violation, leaving contractors unaccountable for harmful practices. Without significant penalties, there is little deterrence against non-compliance, encouraging cost-cutting measures that prioritise financial savings over ecological protection.
Additionally, key environmental parameters such as dredging discharge quality are absent from regulation, allowing pollutants like suspended solids and heavy metals to enter water bodies unchecked. Weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms result in limited oversight of contractors while ambiguities in environmental rules create loopholes that contractors exploit to evade accountability. Another significant issue is the absence of explicit rules defining who bears the cost of complying with foreign environmental regulation such as the International Maritime Organisation 2020 regulation mandating the use of low-sulphur fuel. Contractors operating in foreign jurisdictions such as Singapore may incur higher costs for low-sulphur fuels, and the lack of contractual clarity creates disputes over whether these expenses should be borne by contractors or the Bangladesh government. This ambiguity can result in financial burdens on the government, encourage poor planning by contractors and, even, lead to environmental non-compliance if contractors bypass fuel standards abroad.
Coal power generation in Bangladesh is environmentally unsustainable because of several key factors. The lack of advanced technologies such as coal gasification and modern air pollution control systems limits the ability to manage environmental risks effectively. Insufficient capacity for monitoring coal quality and emissions, combined with a weak enforcement of environmental laws, allows harmful practices to persist. Moreover, Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change makes reliance on coal power counterproductive to Bangladesh’s commitments under the Paris agreement.
Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for improvement. Better coal storage practices, including the use of advanced storage systems and conducting flashpoint assessments, can significantly reduce the risk of spontaneous fires. Workers should be equipped with personal protective equipment and trained in emergency handling procedures. Enhanced water treatment systems such as replacing chlorination with eco-friendly alternatives like ultra-violet or ozone treatment would minimise damage to aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring chlorine levels and ensuring leak-proof dosing systems can prevent accidental spills and protect biodiversity.
Air pollution can be mitigated by installing advanced air filtration systems such as electrostatic precipitators or baghouse filters and regularly maintaining silos to prevent structural failures. Sustainable dredging practices such as using sediment management systems and designating dredging zones can minimise the release of suspended solids into waterways. Strengthening environmental compliance through penalty clauses, third-party audits and a robust coal sampling framework is essential to ensure accountability. Heavy metal pollution can be controlled by enforcing strict coal quality standards and installing advanced wastewater treatment systems capable of removing heavy metals.
To address governance gaps, contracts must explicitly include penalties for environmental rule violations. These penalties should be substantial enough to deter non-compliance and require contractors to bear the cost of immediate remediation for any damage caused. Environmental rules should be expanded to include comprehensive test parameters such as turbidity levels, total suspended solids and heavy metal concentrations with specific allowable limits based on international standards. Regular inspections and real-time monitoring systems such as turbidity sensors and satellite imagery should be deployed to enforce compliance. Building institutional capacity by training government agencies and equipping them with advanced tools is crucial for improving oversight. Engaging local communities in environmental monitoring and awareness campaigns further enhances transparency and accountability.
Global best practices such as carbon capture and storage technologies offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impact of coal power. Countries such as the Netherlands and Australia have successfully mitigated dredging impacts through techniques such as silt curtains, real-time monitoring and stringent discharge criteria. Bangladesh can adopt similar approaches to address its current challenges.
Water pollution from vessels, including the discharge of oil, lubricants and plastics, poses an additional threat to Bangladesh’s marine ecosystems. Oil leaks from engines and improper disposal form surface layers reduce oxygen exchange and harm aquatic life. Plastics, which degrade into harmful microplastics, and hazardous chemicals further disrupt ecosystems and endanger human health. Noise pollution from vessel engines interferes with the communication, navigation and breeding behaviours of marine species such as dolphins and whales. Mitigation measures for vessel pollution include installing bilge water treatment systems, enforcing waste management protocols and transitioning to eco-friendly vessel technologies. Ports must have adequate reception facilities to handle waste and ensure proper recycling. Strict enforcement of regulations under the MARPOL convention, or the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is vital to prevent illegal discharges and community engagement is crucial in promoting marine conservation.
To address these environmental challenges, Bangladesh must strengthen regulations, enhance port facilities for waste management and transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Renewable energy provides a more sustainable and climate-friendly alternative to coal power. However, if coal power remains part of the energy mix, it is imperative to adopt advanced technologies and adhere strictly to environmental regulations to minimise its ecological impact. Protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods for coastal communities are essential steps toward a healthier and more sustainable future for Bangladesh.
Dr AKM Mizanur Rahaman is an environment, climate change, social and resettlement specialist.