1

Introduction

Over the years, Bangladesh has undergone a process of environmental degradation, which is

cause for great concern. These are illustrated by deforestation, destruction of wetlands and inland

fisheries, soil nutrient depletion and inland salinity intrusion. Furthermore, natural calamities like

floods, cyclones, tidal surges and tornadoes have resulted in severe socio-economic and

environmental damage (MoEF, 1992: 5) by a combination of factors. These factors include: a

large and rapidly growing population; industrial development without sufficient controls on

industrial pollution; improper use of agricultural chemicals and pesticides; poorly designed flood

control, drainage and irrigation works; over cutting and indiscriminate felling of forests and

artificially lowered stumpage prices and royalties for forest products; lack of community control

over open access resources; inadequate land use planning; and institutional weakness among the

public agencies in charge of environmental protection and natural resource management (WRI

report, 1992:2). The major root of man-made problems is lack of understanding of ecological

principles, poverty and lack of adequate alternate resources (MoEF, 1992). The single most

critical factor that will increasingly hamper development in Bangladesh, if not addressed

properly, is the size and rate of growth of an already overwhelmingly large population. High

growth rate with an existing large population will tremendously strain the country‟s land

resource for development in the years ahead (MoEF, 1992: 5). Furthermore, poorly designed

development activities, misguided policies, flowed development models, global changes and

inequitable access to these resources can also contribute to the degradation of natural resources,

as much or more than population pressure. Bangladesh is facing a number of serious

environmental issues. These ranges from global worming that can have potential devastating

effects on the country‟s people and its resources, to a variety of regional and national issues.

There are so many environmental acts, laws and policy in Bangladesh but those laws are not

implemented properly. In developed countries the implementation of environmental policy is

much better than Bangladesh. Therefore, in this work it will be examined that the environmental

policy of Bangladesh will be compared with the environmental policy of developed countries.

2

Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1

Environmental policy .................................................................................................................................... 4

Overview of Environmental Policy of Bangladesh ....................................................................................... 5

Major Features of Environmental Policy of Bangladesh .............................................................................. 6

Agriculture ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Industry ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Health and Sanitation ............................................................................................................................... 7

Energy and Fuel ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Water ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Land .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Forest, Wildlife and Bio-diversity ............................................................................................................ 8

Fisheries and Livestock ............................................................................................................................. 8

Food .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Coastal and Marine Environment ............................................................................................................. 8

Transport and Communication.................................................................................................................. 8

Housing and Urbanization ........................................................................................................................ 8

Population ................................................................................................................................................. 9

Education and Public Awareness .............................................................................................................. 9

Science, Technology and Research ........................................................................................................... 9

Goals/ Objectives/ Strategies of Environmental Policy of Bangladesh ........................................................ 9

Environmental Laws in Bangladesh ........................................................................................................... 10

Laws and relevant regulation .................................................................................................................. 10

Legal Framework of Environment Policy ................................................................................................... 11

Brief description of Environment policy of developed countries ............................................................... 11

North American environment policy ...................................................................................................... 11

Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 12

Principles............................................................................................................................................. 12

Strategies ............................................................................................................................................. 12

Environment Policy of Western Europe ................................................................................................. 13

Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Principles............................................................................................................................................. 13

3

Strategies ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Environment Policy of Asia Pacific ........................................................................................................ 15

Signs of Environment stress ................................................................................................................ 15

Responses to sustainable development Challenges ............................................................................. 15

Environment Policy of Australia............................................................................................................. 16

Environmental policy statement .......................................................................................................... 16

Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 16

Priorities .............................................................................................................................................. 16

Environment Policy of Scandinavian Countries ..................................................................................... 17

Key environmental indicators ............................................................................................................. 17

Priorities .............................................................................................................................................. 17

Environment Policy of Nordic Countries ................................................................................................ 18

Objectives ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Priorities .............................................................................................................................................. 18

Comparative Analysis of Environment Policy of developed countries ...................................................... 19

Policy Statement ..................................................................................................................................... 19

Objectives ............................................................................................................................................... 19

To maintain and enhance the productivity of the environment ........................................................... 20

To maintain inter generation and intra generation equity ................................................................... 20

To protect country‟s unique and diverse cultural and natural heritage ............................................... 20

To encourage and ensure stakeholder participation ............................................................................ 20

Sustainable lifestyles and patterns of consumption and production ................................................... 20

Livelihood security for the poor .......................................................................................................... 20

Integration of environmental concerns in economic and social development .................................... 21

Principles ................................................................................................................................................ 21

Strategies ................................................................................................................................................. 22

Author‟s Justification .................................................................................................................................. 22

Drawbacks............................................................................................................................................... 23

Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 23

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 24

Reference(S) ............................................................................................................................................... 25

4

Environmental policy

Environmental policy is any action deliberately taken to manage human activities with a view to

prevent, reduce, or mitigate harmful effects on nature and natural resources, and ensuring that

man-made changes to the environment do not have harmful effects on humans. It is useful to

consider that environmental policy comprises two major terms: environment and policy.

Environment refers to the physical ecosystems, but can also take into consideration the social

dimension and an economic dimension. Policy can be defined as a "course of action or principle

adopted or proposed by a government, party, business or individual". So, environmental policy

refers to a set of guidelines that define action taken by human beings to mitigate the harmful

effects of changes to the environment.

Environmental issues generally addressed by environmental policy include air and water

pollution, waste management, ecosystem management, biodiversity protection, the protection of

natural resources, wildlife and endangered species, and the preservation of these natural

resources for future generations. Relatively recently, environmental policy has also attended to

the communication of environmental issues.

There are some definitions of environmental policy. Those are given below-

I. Environmental policy refers to the commitment of an organization to the laws,

regulations, and other policy mechanisms concerning environmental issues and

sustainability. – Wikipedia

II. Environmental policy is the statement by a supranational, national, or regional

government of its approach to environmental protection.

– Oxford Dictionary of Geography

5

Overview of Environmental Policy of Bangladesh

In pursuance of the Stockholm mandate, the government of Bangladesh, like all other developing

and developed countries, actively participated in the evolutionary process of protecting global

environment. As a result, the first Water Pollution Control Ordinance was promulgated in 1973

followed by the promulgation of the Environment Pollution Control Ordinance in 1977. In 1985

Department of Pollution Control Ordinance was established which subsequently renamed and

structured as Department of Environment (DOE). The idea of environmental protection through

national efforts was first recognized and declared with the adoption of the Environmental Policy

1992. In the formation of Environmental Policy, different actors and factors played some direct

and indirect roles. The actors were basically of two types, external and internal. Among external

actors, United Nations General Assembly, international forum, international organizations, donor

agencies (IDA, USAID, UNDP, ADB) were major players. Internal actors include,

environmental NGOs (CARDMA, BCAS, IUCN, FEJB, ADAB) government agencies i.e.

Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF), DOE, Planning Commission, concerned

ministries, consultants, bureaucrats, and civil society and so on. All the actors, whether external

or internal, played very pertinent roles in the formulation of the Environmental Policy. An

important step in this regard was the formulation of the national Environment Management

Action Plan (NEMAP) by the Ministry of Environment with participation by some NGOs and

other organizations.

The Government of Bangladesh has also adopted a number of supplementary policies where

environment and development issues have been addressed. Important policy documents in this

respect are the Forest Policy (1994), the Fisheries Policy (1998), the Water Policy (1998), the

New Agriculture Extension Policy (1995), The Energy Policy (1995). Besides these sectored

policies, the National Conservation Strategy (NCS) and especially the National Environment

Management Action Plan, 1995 (NEMAP) have been formulated to provide action plans to

respond to environmental issues and promote sustainable development.

The second Poverty Reduction Strategy has recognized environmental degradation as one of the

most crucial factors that causes and perpetuates poverty in Bangladesh. The PRSP also sorted the

need for a comprehensive strategic approach to address environmental challenges and issues.

6

Although some of these policies are not judicially enforceable according to the constitution of

Bangladesh, they are still potentially important in guiding and influencing the activities of the

concerned Ministries and other governmental agencies.

The policies of the Bangladesh Government have been developed mostly from a sectored

approach. However, the Water Policy, the Fisheries Policy and Agriculture Policy have

rosssectorial approach and tried to address environmental issues. These policies call for a

precautionary approach to minimize impact from other sectors like industry, transportation,

urbanization, flood control etc. Policy documents generally refer to the principles that govern he

action directed towards given ends. It provides a basis for plans, prescriptions and framework to

maintain the dynamic growth of the sector.

Major Features of Environmental Policy of Bangladesh

The policy covered all geographical regions and 15 development sectors like Agriculture,

Industry, Health & Sanitation, Energy and Fuel, Water Development, Flood Control and

Irrigation, Land, Forest, Wildlife and Bio-diversity, Fisheries and Livestock, Food, Coastal and

Marine Environment, Transport and Communication, Housing and Urbanization, Population,

Education and Public Awareness, Science, Technology and Research, Legal Framework and

Institutional Arrangements.

The policy has provided guidelines for the following sectors:

Agriculture

Environmentally sound agricultural practices are to be encouraged and ensured for attainment of

self-sufficiency in food. Among the various specific measures, use of natural fertilizers and

insecticides is encouraged as opposed to the application of agro-chemicals and artificial materials

exerting adverse impact on the environment.

7

Industry

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for new industries, corrective measures for polluting

industries, ban on establishment of polluting industries and development of environmentally

sound and appropriate technology is required for sustainable and efficient utilization of natural

resources.

Health and Sanitation

Healthy environment and sanitation facilities for rural and urban people need to be ensured by

the government.

Energy and Fuel

Reduction of the use of fuel-wood and agricultural residues, exploring alternative energy

resources, precautionary measures against potentially harmful use of nuclear energy and nuclear

radiation, conservation of forest fuel and development of improved energy saving technology are

recommended options for the sector.

Water

Environmentally sound water resource management is suggested in utilization and development

of water resources, construction of irrigation network and embankments, dredging of

watercourses and in taking measures against river pollution.

Land

Activities that cause or result in land erosion, salinity and alkalinity, and loss of soil fertility are

prohibited. Compatible land use systems for different ecosystems and environmentally sound

management of newly accreted land are recommended.

8

Forest, Wildlife and Bio-diversity

Conservation and expansion of forest zones, conservation of wildlife and biodiversity and

conservation of wetlands are recognized as priority areas for action.

Fisheries and Livestock

Conservation of fisheries and livestock, mangrove forest and others ecosystems and prevention

of activities that diminish the wetlands and natural habitats for fishes are the basic objectives in

this sector.

Food

Hygienic and environmentally sound method of production, preservation, processing

and distribution of food and measures to ensure prohibition of import of harmful food items

are recommended.

Coastal and Marine Environment

Coastal and marine eco-systems are identified as potential areas for intervention, where all

internal and external polluting activities should be stopped. Fishing in coastal and marine

environment within regeneration limits is recommended.

Transport and Communication

Road, rail, air and water transport systems should be operated without polluting the environment.

EIA is required before undertaking any projects in these sectors.

Housing and Urbanization

Environmentally sound planning and development of housing and urban centers is required.

Existence of water bodies in the cities is recommended for maintaining environmental and

ecosystem balance in the urban areas.

9

Population

Planned and proper utilization of manpower including ensuring the participation and

mainstreaming of women in all spheres is targeted for environmentally sound development

activities.

Education and Public Awareness

Eradication of illiteracy through formal and non-formal education, building and raising public

awareness of the environmental issues, dissemination of environmental knowledge and

information are the policy guidelines for the conservation, improvement and sustainable use of

natural resources.

Science, Technology and Research

Research and development institutes are required to consider the incorporation of the

environmental issues in their research programs. For the implementation and leadership, the

Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) was assigned to play the role of lead agency. A

National Environmental Committee was created with the Prime Minister as the as the

Chairperson to give overall direction for implementation of this policy.

Goals/ Objectives/ Strategies of Environmental Policy of Bangladesh

Bangladesh National Environment Policy approved in May 1992 sets out the basic framework

for environmental action, together with a set of broad sectorial action guidelines.

The objectives of Environment Policy are to:

1. Maintain ecological balance and overall development through protection and

improvement of the environment;

2. Protect the country against natural disasters;

3. Identify and regulate activities which pollute and degrade the environment;

4. Ensure environmentally sound development in all sectors;

10

5. Ensure sustainable, long term and environmentally sound use of all national resources;

and,

6. Actively remain associated with all international environmental initiatives to the

maximum possible extent.

Environmental Laws in Bangladesh

Although Laws relating to environment can be traced to as early as the Penal Code of 1860, it is

only during the last decade or so that we see major environment law reforms taking place in

Bangladesh. With new development in the energy sector and rapid urbanization and

industrialization, it is surely a pragmatic step to enact reforms at this point of time if not earlier.

Needless to say, further development in this field is required before the Environmental Laws in

Bangladesh is in a position to meet the need of the sector.

Laws and relevant regulation

Environmental conservation act of 1995, environmental conservation rules of 1995, EIA

guidelines of industries of 1997, environment court act of 2000, environmental pollution control

ordinance of1997, factories act 1965, motor vehicles act 1939, non- agricultural tenancy act

1947, state acquisition and tenancy act 1950, town improvement act 1950, municipality

ordinance 1977, local government ordinance 1982, land reforms ordinance 1984, land reform

board act 1989, Chittagong Hill Tract regulation act 1990, pesticide ordinance 1971, agricultural

pest ordinance 1962, dangerous drug act 1930, dangerous drug control order 1982, agricultural

and sanitary improvement act 1920, poison act 1930, explosive substance act 1908, explosive act

1884, private forest ordinance 1950, forest act 1927, wildlife act 1973, private fisheries

protection act 1889, conservation and protection of fisheries act 1950, marine fisheries ordinance

1983, territorial water and marine zone act 1974, mines act 1927, petroleum act 1934, antiquities

ordinance 1986, antiquities act 1986, policies for management of closed water body 1990, water

supply and sewerage authority ordinance 1963, inland shipping ordinance 1976, embankment

and drainage act 1952, water hyacinth act 1939, IWTA ordinance 1958, canals act 1864,

irrigation act 1876, EPC ordinance 1977 etc.

11

Legal Framework of Environment Policy

The policy directs to amend all laws and regulations related to protection of environment,

conservation of natural resources, and control of environmental pollution and degradation with a

view to meet present day s needs without compromising the ability to meet future needs. Frame

new laws in all sectors necessary to control activities concerning environmental pollution and

degradation. Ensure proper implementation of all relevant laws/regulations and create wide

spread public awareness in this regard. Ratify all concerned international laws/conventions/

protocols which Bangladesh considers rectifiable and amend/modify existing national

laws/regulations in line with the ratified international laws/conventions/protocols.

Brief description of Environment policy of developed countries

There are various environment policies of various developed countries. These developed

countries include North American countries, Western European countries, Australia, Asia

Pacific, Scandinavian countries, Nordic countries etc. To compare the environment policy of

Bangladesh, we need to know about the environment policy of these developed countries.

Environment policies of those developed countries are given below-

North American environment policy

North America is the leading producer and consumer of goods and services-and of waste-on the

planet. North America mostly includes Canada, Mexico and United States but Canada and

United States are ranked high between them. Both nations are concerned about global, regional,

and national implications of today‟s resource use patterns, with the increasingly obvious negative

feedback on the quality of life. In both countries, major Government policy statements are made

to bring environmental issues to public attention (Marchi, 1996; Christopher, 1996).

12

Objectives

The policy has targeted very few objectives. Those are given below-

a) To sustain development and reduction of poverty.

b) To develop and implement integrated land management.

c) To improve the efficient use of water resources.

d) To increase the global share of renewable energy sources

Principles

These principles are adopted in the North American environment policy to harmonies economic

development goals with environmental imperatives. These principles are:

a) Stewardship of the environment.

b) Conservation of nature‟s vitality and diversity.

c) Continuous improvement in the quality of the environment.

d) Sustainable use of natural resources.

e) Integrated decision making.

f) Role of the private sector.

g) Transparency and accountability.

h) Active participation in the environment community.

Strategies

In 2009 the Council set forth a change in the CEC agenda and adopted a new strategic plan for

2010-2015. Those are –

a. Healthy Communities and Ecosystems

b. Improve environmental health of vulnerable communities in North America.

c. Increase resilience of shared ecosystems at risk.

d. Enhance regional approaches to sound management of chemicals and

e. Strengthen regional enforcement and wildlife law enforcement.

f. Climate Change – Low-Carbon Economy and

g. Greening the Economy in North America.

13

Apart from the Strategic Plans, the operational Plans present how the goals and objectives of the

Strategic Plan will be implemented through project activities and key initiatives. The Operational

Plan is updated annually.

Environment Policy of Western Europe

Western Europe is the region comprising the westerly countries of Europe. Western Europe

consists of 9 countries- Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Monaco, Netherlands, and Switzerland. There are various environmental issues in Western

Europe such as air pollution, water pollution, industry, tree damage, energy production, climate

changes, marine pollution, transportation, resources etc.

Objectives

Western European environment policy has various objectives. Those objectives are mentioned

below-

a) Reduced climate impact.

b) Clean air.

c) A protective ozone layer.

d) A safe energy environment.

e) Effective water management.

f) A balanced marine environment.

g) Sustainable forests.

h) A varied agricultural land.

Principles

Western European countries need these principles to achieve those objectives. Principles are

given below-

1. Promotion and protection of fundamental rights.

2. Solidarity within and between generations.

3. Policy coherence and governance.

14

4. Policy integration.

5. Precautionary principle.

6. Making polluters pay.

7. Improvement of the environment and quality of life.

8. Education for sustain development.

9. Involvement of citizens.

10. Public participation in environmental decision making.

11. Sustainable use of natural resources.

12. Biodiversity conservation and ecological networks.

Strategies

The strategy sets overall objectives and concrete actions for some key priority challenges. Those

are given below-

1. Climate change and clean energy.

2. Sustainable transport.

3. Sustainable consumption & production.

4. Public Health.

5. Global poverty and sustainable development challenges.

6. Prevention and recycling of waste.

7. Protection and conservation of the marine environment.

8. Improvement of soil.

9. Sustainable use of pesticides.

10. Sustainable use of resources.

15

Environment Policy of Asia Pacific

Rapid economic growth in Asia and the Pacific during the last four decades has posed a

formidable challenge to the region- that of achieving continued economic progress without

compromising social and environmental sustainability. Rapid development has led to industrial

pollution, degradation of natural resources, increasing levels of poverty and inequitable income

distribution.

Signs of Environment stress

The expansion of the economy and population over the last 40 years, based mainly on the

exploitation of cheap labor and extensive natural resources, has degraded the environment- now

the most serious obstacle to continued economic and social development in the region. While

these threats are significant at local and national levels, trans-boundary environmental problems

constitute a major challenge in the region.

Areas exhibiting signs of significant environmental stress

1. Freshwater resources.

2. Marine and coastal environment.

3. Air pollution.

4. Climate change.

5. Natural disasters.

6. Land degradation.

7. Forest and biodiversity.

8. Hazardous substance and waste.

Responses to sustainable development Challenges

1) Regional responses addressing sustainable development.

2) Mechanisms and initiatives for improving environmental governance.

3) Sub-regional mechanisms and initiatives.

4) National mechanisms and initiatives.

16

Environment Policy of Australia

Environmental issues in Australia describe a number of environmental problems which affect the

environment of Australia. There are a range of such issues, some of them relating to conservation

in Australia while others, for example the deteriorating state of Murray-Darling Basin, have a

direct and serious effect on human land use and the economy.

Environmental policy statement

Environmental policy statement is necessary for continuous economic, social and cultural

progress and enhancement of the quality of life of Australians, through environmentally sound

and sustainable development.

Objectives

Australian Environment policy 2012-2013 mentioned these objectives-

1. Complying with all relevant commitments of the current government, including

applicable legislation, policies and standards;

2. Upholding the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development and Intergenerational

Equity;

3. Maintaining the Environmental Management System (EMS);

4. Reducing carbon footprint;

5. Preventing pollution; and

6. Continuously reviewing environmental aspects and impacts.

Priorities

Australian Environment policy 2012-2013 mentioned these priorities-

1. Minimizing energy and water consumption;

2. Minimizing the amount of waste to landfill generated by operations; and

3. Communicating relevant environmental information in order to facilitate a strong

environmental ethos within the Department, including staff, contractors and other stakeholders.

17

Environment Policy of Scandinavian Countries

Scandinavia is a large region of Northern Europe that is mainly made up of the Scandinavian

Peninsula. As such, it includes the countries of Norway and Sweden. In addition, Denmark,

Finland and Iceland are also included in Scandinavia. Geographically, the Scandinavian

Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Europe. There are some environmental indicators of

Scandinavian countries. Those are given below-

Key environmental indicators

I. Climate change.

II. Air pollution.

III. Water pollution.

IV. Water consumption.

V. Waste management.

VI. Biodiversity.

VII. Marine and coastal issues.

VIII. Energy efficiency.

IX. Agriculture.

X. Sustainable development.

Priorities

a) Climate change.

b) Biodiversity.

c) Environmental protection.

d) Energy and water consumption.

e) Marine.

f) Land management.

18

Environment Policy of Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries are a geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe and the North

Atlantic. It consists of five countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The

Nordic Region aims to be a pioneer in the environment sector and to share its experiences with

others. Their patterns of consumption and production impact upon the environment, which

means that the economy has to be seen in an environmental perspective, and vice versa.

Objectives

Environment policy of Nordic countries is based on some environmental quality objectives.

Those are sanctioned by their countries. Those are given below-

a. Reduced climate impact.

b. Clean air.

c. A non-toxic environment.

d. A protective ozone layer.

e. A safe radiation environment.

f. Zero eutrophication.

g. Good-quality groundwater.

h. A balanced marine environment, flourishing coastal areas.

i. Thriving wetlands.

j. Sustainable forests.

k. A varied agricultural landscape.

l. Waste management and biological diversity.

Priorities

Environmental co-operation during 2009–2012 will focus on the following themes:

a. The climate and the air.

b. Seas and coastal zones.

c. Biological diversity and eco-system services.

d. Sustainable consumption and production.

19

Comparative Analysis of Environment Policy of developed countries

To compare the content of the environment policy of Bangladesh with the content of the

environment policy of developed countries like Canada, Australia, U.S.A, United Kingdom etc.

to identify the directives that can be incorporated in the environment policy of Bangladesh to

make it more effective. Though policy of different countries could be different due to the

contextual aspect but there are some features, norms of public policy that can be compared.

Policy Statement

Australian policy has a very specific „policy statement` which provides the notion of that policy.

„Policy statement` is very essential for environment policy of any country. Every developed

country has its own „policy statement` or „preamble`. Environment policy of Bangladesh does

not have any „policy statement` or „preamble`.

Objectives

Countries Objectives

North American Four

Western European Eight

Asia Pacific Eight

Australian Eight

Scandinavian Ten

Nordic Twelve

These Objectives are basically outcome oriented. Environment policy of Bangladesh mentions

six explicit objectives.

Some issues which are not addressed, in the light of the environment policy of these countries.

They are-

20

To maintain and enhance the productivity of the environment

It is necessary to enhance and maintain the productivity of the environment to promote the

agricultural growth and overall sustainability.

To maintain inter generation and intra generation equity

Environment and its elements are the common property of the present and future generation as

well as every member of every generation as well as every member of every generation. So

equity among those stakeholders should be kept under consideration.

To protect country’s unique and diverse cultural and natural heritage

It is necessary to protect and nurture the available cultural and natural heritage for the sake of

civilization and social trust building.

To encourage and ensure stakeholder participation

Monitoring and implementation of environment regulation bears huge transaction cost which can

be minimized by ensuring peopl‟s participation. Therefore stakeholder participation should be

ensured.

Sustainable lifestyles and patterns of consumption and production

Both over consumption and unplanned or unsustainable production process are harmful to

environment. Therefore these issues should be regulated through environment policy.

Livelihood security for the poor

Each and every national activities of Bangladesh are now guided by the PRSP. Therefore it is

wise to emphasis on the reduction of poverty through integrated approach of every national

policy.

21

Integration of environmental concerns in economic and social development

Sustainable development refers environmentally sound and friendly development. Therefore

environmental integration of environmental concerns in economic and social development

should be kept as a major objective of environmental policy.

Principles

Environment policy of North America identified eight principles whereas environment policy of

Western Europe mentioned twelve principles. Environment policy of Bangladesh did not

mention any principles. Principles of the environment policy should provide broad guideline to

formulate strategies to achieve the targeted objectives. Principles are common guideline for

every part and section of the policy. As a environment policy following principles can be

identified-

i. Sustainable use of natural resources.

ii. Integrated decision making.

iii. Active participation in the environmental community and all sectors.

iv. Decentralization.

According to the environment policy of developed countries following principles could be

incorporated in the environment policy of Bangladesh

1) Conservation of nature‟s vitality and diversity

2) The precautionary approach.

3) Preventive action.

4) Continuous improvement in the quality of the environment.

5) Commitment and accountability.

6) Economic efficiency.

a) Polluters pay

b) Cost minimization

c) Entities with “incomparable” values

d) Equity.

22

7) Legal liability.

a) Fault based liability.

b) Strict liability.

8) Environmental standard setting.

Strategies

Countries Strategies

North American Three

Western European Ten

Asia Pacific Four

Australian Three

Scandinavian Six

Nordic Four

Environment policy of Bangladesh addressed 15 sectors to address overall environmental issues.

For each of the sectors some goals and targets need to be taken. Then the necessary action plan

to achieve these goals and targets need to mention in the environment policy of Bangladesh.

Author’s Justification

Bangladesh has been able to create a facilitating policy system for better management of its

environment and natural resources. The policies have adopted in principle the concept of

sustainable development and it has also recognized the importance of economic development

that goes hand in hand with the control of environmental pollution and maintaining ecological

balance. The formulated Environment Policy although fairly rich in content is not supported by

necessary actions of implementation. Various research studies have noted that the

implementation of the Environmental policy and the Environmental Protection Act have been

bogged down due to some institutional and functional limitations (Khan, and Belal 1999,

Hanchett, 1997).

23

It is found that following major issues are not addressed in the environment policy of

Bangladesh. Those are- soil pollution, climate change, noise pollution, proactive approach to

regional and global environmental issues, environmental decision-making etc.

Drawbacks

Every environment policy has some limitation or drawbacks. Drawbacks of the environment

policy of Bangladesh is given below-

1. Lack of Inter-agency coordination.

2. Inconsistency with other policies.

3. Lack of inter-sectorial coordination.

4. Lack of regulatory and Institutional capacity.

5. Limitations of the environment laws.

6. Outdated environmental laws as well as ignorance about these laws.

7. Non-punitive approach of laws.

8. Politician- Polluter connection.

Recommendations

Some of the immediate policy and procedural interventions can be suggested to address the

proper implementation of the Environmental Policy and supplementary Acts and Rules.

Suggestions or recommendations for the environment policy of Bangladesh is given below-

1. Need for a Sectorial Policy Approach.

2. Addressing Policy Gap.

3. Regional and Bilateral Approach.

4. Public awareness campaigns and community involvement.

5. Changes in institutional, administrative and organizational arrangements.

6. Strengthening the legal system.

7. Strengthening fiscal measures.

24

Conclusion

It is a challenge for Bangladesh to design and implement an environmental policy which can

address both economic progress and environmental protection. On the other hand, frequent

incidence of disaster added new dimension to the necessity of having effective environmental

policy to protection environment. It is needed to observe whether the environmental policy of

Bangladesh, 1992 is capable to ensure the environment protection. This policy adopts only

command and control mechanism to implement its guidance. It does not adopt monetary tool,

fiscal tool, and market-based mechanism and so on to make the implementation effective and

efficient. Environment policy should address all the major environment related issues and all

these issues should be addressed properly. If the environment policy of Bangladesh addressed all

the major concern issues properly, then it will be examined by comparing this policy with the

policy of the developed countries. . If the environment policy of Bangladesh does not address all

the major concern issues, then apparently the environment policy of Bangladesh should be

reviewed.

25

Reference(S)

MoEF, 1992. Bangladesh Country Report or United Nations Conference on Environment and

Development, Government of People‟s Republic of Bangladesh.

World Resources Institute, (WRI), 1990. Bangladesh: Environment and Natural Resources

Assessment, CIDA, Washington.

McCormick, John (2001). Environmental Policy in the European Union. The European Series.

Palgrave. p. 21.

Bührs, Ton; Bartlett, Robert V (1991). Environmental Policy in New Zealand. The Politics of

Clean and Green. Oxford University Press. p. 9.

Concise Oxford Dictionary, 1995.

A major article outlining and analyzing the history of environmental communication policy

within the European Union has recently come out in The Information Society, a journal

based in the United States. See Mathur, Piyush. "Environmental Communication in the

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