The existence of Bangladesh is inextricably linked to nature. Our civilization, economy, and culture have flourished on the foundation of our rivers, rainfall, fertile soil, and rich biodiversity. Yet, standing here in 2026, we face a grim reality: a suicidal tendency in national and social policies that prioritizes a relentless race for “development” over the preservation of nature.
Climate change is no longer a distant prophecy or a theoretical debate; it is an agonizing part of daily life in Bangladesh. The unbearable heatwaves of recent years, extreme winters, untimely floods, increasing salinity in coastal areas, and frequent, devastating cyclones pose a fundamental question: Can development truly benefit humanity if it thrives on the destruction of our environment?
The Mirage of Concrete Development: Environmental degradation is no longer limited to the loss of trees or the extinction of wildlife. It is now directly tied to national food security, public health, the economy, internal migration, and national security. When a state ignores ecological balance and equates development solely with concrete infrastructure, that progress becomes as fragile as a dam made of sand.
Climate change is threaning our food security. Unpredictable rainfall
and rising temperatures have disrupted the traditional farming calendar.
Heatwaves interfere with rice pollination, while the shortening of
winters reduces the yield of winter crops and pulses.
From the melting Himalayan glaciers to the rising sea levels in the Bay of Bengal, the map of our territory is shrinking. Despite having ample data, global research, and international warnings, we remain paralyzed by bureaucratic inertia and a “business as usual” mindset. Climate change is an invisible enemy that can abruptly collapse the social and economic foundations of a nation. In this reality, environmental protection is not a luxury; it is the primary condition for our national survival.
The Rising Sea: Sea Level Rise (SLR) is one of the most alarming consequences of global warming. Bangladesh, with much of its land only a few meters above sea level, is on the front lines. Scientists warn that a 1-meter rise in sea level could submerge nearly 17% of our coastal land, erasing the homes of millions from the map.
Districts like Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, and Bhola are already frequently inundated. Saltwater intrusion is not just destroying croplands; it is collapsing entire ecosystems. Coastal women must walk miles for potable water, leading to severe reproductive health issues, including pre-eclampsia and hypertension due to high salt intake. When these people lose everything and migrate to the slums of Dhaka or Chittagong, they are not just “climate refugees”-they become a national economic burden and a source of social instability.
Policy Failures in Water Management: While floods are a natural reality for Bangladesh, their intensity has changed. But nature is not the sole culprit; our flawed river management and the politics of encroachment are equally to blame. Almost every river in the country is a victim of pollution and illegal occupation. “Looting” in the name of dredging has failed to increase river depth. The construction of unplanned dams, sluice gates, and roads-especially in the Haor (wetland) regions-has choked the natural flow of water. We view rivers as mere commodities or real estate rather than the lifelines of our land. Consequently, we suffer from devastating floods in the monsoon and desertification in the dry season. Saving our rivers is synonymous with saving the lifeline of Bangladesh.
The Silent Crisis: Climate change is fracturing our food security. Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures have disrupted the traditional farming calendar. Heatwaves interfere with rice pollination, while the shortening of winters reduces the yield of winter crops and pulses. Without urgent research into heat and salinity-tolerant crop varieties, “food riots” may not be a far-fetched concern in the future.
Furthermore, we are on the verge of a silent health pandemic. Rising temperatures have increased the breeding capacity of Aedes mosquitoes, spreading Dengue nationwide. Salinity causes kidney issues, and air pollution is shortening our life expectancy. Our health infrastructure must be redesigned to be climate-resilient.
Industrialization vs. The Ecosystem: Economic growth requires industry, but should it come at the cost of a “burial” for the environment? Most of our large industries are located near water bodies, discharging toxic waste directly into rivers like the Buriganga and Shitalakshya.
While the world shifts toward renewable energy, we are still heavily reliant on coal-based projects. Developing industries near the Sundarbans-our natural shield against cyclones-is akin to dismantling our own defense walls. “Green Industrialization” is no longer just a slogan; it is a prerequisite for global trade.
Urban Heat Islands and the Refugee Crisis: Our cities, particularly Dhaka, have turned into “Urban Heat Islands.” By filling up wetlands and destroying green spaces, we have created concrete jungles where temperatures are 5-7°C higher than surrounding rural areas. To save our cities, we must adopt vertical urbanization and ensure at least 20% green coverage in every ward. Perhaps the most daunting challenge is the displacement of people. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, 13 million people in Bangladesh could be internally displaced due to climate change. This mass migration will cripple urban infrastructure and create unprecedented social unrest.
Call for Climate Justice: Bangladesh contributes less than 0.47% to global carbon emissions, yet we pay the highest price. This is a profound injustice. We must demand “Climate Justice” on the global stage-not as loans, but as compensation and grants. However, international aid alone isn’t enough. We need domestic political will. Environmental laws exist but lack enforcement. The Ministry of Environment should be treated as the most vital organ of the state, and every major project must undergo a transparent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The fight against climate change is a fight for our existence. Nature can thrive without humans, but humans cannot survive without nature. The decisions we make today will determine whether our children inherit a “Green Bangladesh” or a submerged, barren wasteland. GDP growth and infrastructure are meaningless if there is no clean air to breathe or pure water to drink. History will not forgive us if we fail to act with courage and foresight today.
The writer is Social Researcher, Secretary-General of Columnist Forum of Bangladesh and Adviser, Board of Trustees, Sonargaon University