Published: 08:29 AM, 12 June 2025
Environmental Pollution in Bangladesh and the Indispensability of State Action
The term environment generally refers to the natural and social surroundings we inhabit. In a broader sense, it encompasses the global state of nature and the ecological sphere. Environment is a fundamental component of human civilization. Since the dawn of civilization, human beings have shaped and interacted with its surrounding environment.
The environment sustains life; it is the bearer of vitality. From the beginning of creation, the existence of living beings has depended on their ability to adapt to environmental conditions. If the environment becomes hostile, the extinction of species is inevitable. Human beings, plants, and animals all thrive based on the environment, establishing a deep and inseparable connection between human beings and nature. However, due to various reasons, environmental pollution has become an alarming global issue, pushing human civilization to the brink. Numerous studies and initiatives are being undertaken worldwide to address this crisis. Recognizing the urgency, the United Nations declared June 5 as World Environment Day to raise awareness globally.
The history behind World Environment Day is significant. On May 20, 1968, the Swedish government sent a letter to the United Nations Economic and Social Council expressing deep concerns about environmental degradation. That same year, environmental preservation was included in the UN General Assembly’s agenda. Subsequently, in 1972, with the consent of member states, the United Nations held the Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 5 to 16. This was the first international conference on environmental issues, with 119 countries participating. Following the success of the conference, on the opening day of the 1973 conference, June 5 was declared by the United Nations as ‘World Environment Day’. Since 1974, it has been observed globally on this date each year.
The theme for World Environment Day 2025 is “Ending Plastic Pollution”, promoted globally under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. This marks the 53rd celebration of the day, emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate plastic waste and protect ecosystems from its devastating effects.
Nature and the environment are our sole lifelines. Yet, we continuously pollute and exploit them. Globally, the scale of environmental pollution has reached a critical point. Major causes include: overpopulation, unplanned urbanization, rampant deforestation, misuse of natural resources, rapid industrialization, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, industrial waste, toxic vehicle emissions, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, unregulated construction, poverty, cosmetic chemicals, and excessive plastic usage.
Driven by the desire to conquer nature, human beings have overstepped its bounds. Technological advancement has extended human reach from land and sea to outer space. But this very triumph has led to a profound downfall. Today, we face a planetary crisis—not of a single nation or race—but of all human beings. Environmental pollution is pushing the world toward an apocalyptic future. Poisonous water, contaminated air, and devastated soil paint a grim picture. In the past 60 years, over 80 species have gone extinct, and hundreds of plant species have vanished.
With economic growth, approximately 220 million tons of carbon monoxide is being released into the air annually. The levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide are rising steadily, leading to acid rain, forest devastation, and toxic crops. Each minute, 21 hectares of arable land becomes barren. Around 7.5 million hectares turn into deserts annually. Minute by minute, 50 hectares of fertile land are reduced to sand. Oxygen levels in the air are falling dramatically. Harmful chemicals used in agriculture are seeping into the human body, causing severe diseases.
Environmental pollution is responsible for 80% of new diseases globally. It is melting polar ice and shrinking the ozone layer, exposing life to lethal ultraviolet radiation. Aquatic life is dwindling; fish populations are declining, and diseases are increasing.
In Bangladesh, the situation is dire. According to a World Bank report, Bangladesh is among the most environmentally vulnerable countries. Nearly 28% of deaths in the country are caused by pollution-related diseases, compared to the global average of 16%. In urban areas, pollution has reached alarming levels. For comparison, pollution-related deaths account for 28% in Bangladesh, 11.5% in the Maldives, and 26.5% in India.
Air pollution is one of the most critical issues. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reports that exposure to chemical pollutants can cause respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, headaches, asthma, and allergies. Scientists have even linked air pollution to diabetes.
According to a report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), under its ‘Monitoring the Situation of Vital Statistics’ project, the average life expectancy in Bangladesh currently stands at 72.6 years, up from 72.3 years at the same time last year. However, this upward trend could sharply reverse—dropping to as low as 67 years—if air pollution continues unabated. One-fourth of the world’s population lives in four South Asian countries—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Nepal—where air pollution levels are among the highest globally. Over the past decade, a 44 percent rise in pollution across these nations could shorten life expectancy by an average of five years. Globally, air pollution is projected to reduce average life expectancy by nearly three years.
Among 234 countries, Bangladesh has been identified as the most polluted in terms of air quality. Almost all regions exceed WHO’s safe pollution levels, with Dhaka and Khulna being the most affected. PM2.5 particles in these areas are eight times higher than WHO guidelines. Globally, 25% of PM2.5 pollution comes from vehicles, 20% from burning wood and coal, and 15% from power plants and factories.
A study published in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Research has identified air pollution as a ‘global pandemic’. According to the research, air pollution has reduced average life expectancy worldwide by nearly three years, with approximately 8.8 million premature deaths occurring each year. The report notes that pollution particles generated from oil, gas, coal, and other fossil fuels can remain in the human lungs for up to a year. Lead researcher Jos Lelieveld states that the impact of air pollution on public health is even more severe than smoking.
The study highlights that this damage can be mitigated by shifting to renewable energy sources. In fact, air pollution causes more premature deaths than pandemics—19 times more than malaria and nearly nine times more than AIDS. Around six percent of deaths from lung cancer are directly linked to air pollution, which also contributes to rising cases of respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Compared to other continents, air pollution levels are significantly higher in Asia. Life expectancy has decreased by an average of 4.1 years in China, 4.7 years in Bangladesh, 3.9 years in India, and 3.8 years in Pakistan due to air pollution. Researcher Thomas Münzel notes that nearly two-thirds of all premature deaths are caused by man-made pollution. Reducing the use of fossil fuels could potentially save around 5.5 million lives annually.
The Ministry of Environment in Bangladesh has identified 20 major sources of air pollution. These include: brick kilns; road construction, reconstruction and repairs; excavation work by utility service providers; large-scale development projects such as expressways and metro rail; construction of high-rise buildings and various infrastructures by both government and private sectors; commercial sand collection and storage along highways; transportation of sand, soil, and cement in uncovered trucks and lorries; piling and burning of household and municipal waste on roads; disposal of drain sludge onto streets; dust dispersion caused by manual street cleaning; exposed patches of land and broken pavements along roads and footpaths; dust and soil on road medians; emissions from unfit vehicles; mud carried by vehicle tires; burning of waste in educational institutions and government colonies; disposal of waste and dust from markets, shopping malls, and commercial buildings onto the streets; airborne dust in heavily polluted zones of Dhaka city; improper disposal of hospital waste; use of high-sulfur diesel; and a general lack of public awareness.
According to research by the Department of Environment, smoke from brick kilns accounts for 58% of Dhaka’s air pollution. The remaining 42% is attributed to dust from ongoing construction and repair activities, as well as emissions from outdated and unfit vehicles. Moreover, the current patterns of extreme heat, erratic weather, and prolonged dry spells are all symptomatic of a deeper crisis—severe environmental pollution.
The environment is the foundation of our very existence. A pollution-free environment protects us from a wide range of complex diseases, natural disasters, and pandemics. When the environment is safe, so are we. Yet, in Bangladesh, there appears to be no effective initiative to safeguard it. While the state shows concern over many issues, it remains largely indifferent to environmental degradation. There are no tangible measures in place to curb pollution, nor is there adequate public awareness. And yet, it is this very environment upon which our survival depends.
The state must prioritize environmental protection. When the government becomes proactive, citizens are compelled to follow suit. Let us raise awareness, take responsibility, and encourage others to do the same. Let us make this planet livable—and shield it from irreversible destruction.
Emran Emon is a journalist, columnist
and a global affairs analyst.
