More than 2,72,000 people succumb to air pollution, unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene, and lead pollution in the country yearly.
A recent report from the World Bank revealed alarming levels of pollution in Bangladesh, disproportionately affecting the vulnerable segments of society—particularly the poor, children under five, the elderly, and women.
The Bangladesh Country Environment Analysis (CEA) report, released on Thursday, highlights the dire consequences of environmental hazards, with air and water pollution alone claiming 17.6 percent of the country’s GDP in 2019. Indoor and outdoor air pollution, responsible for 55 percent of premature deaths, emerges as the most detrimental.
Abdoulaye Seck, the World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, emphasised that economic growth should not come at the expense of environmental degradation. Sustainable development necessitates a balance between economic progress and environmental preservation. Bangladesh must prioritise environmental conservation to ensure a prosperous future and uplift the quality of life for its citizens.
The report underscores the severe impact of pollution on children, particularly through lead poisoning, which hampers brain development irreversibly, resulting in an estimated loss of 20 million IQ points annually. Women and children bear the brunt of household air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels. Additionally, the degradation of river water quality due to industrial waste and unregulated plastics exacerbates the crisis.
Urgent interventions are imperative to curb pollution-related deaths, with potential to prevent over 133,000 premature fatalities annually through measures such as controlling air pollution, improving water, sanitation, and hygiene, and addressing lead contamination. Investments in green energy and stringent regulations on industrial pollution can significantly mitigate air pollution. Ana Luisa Lima, a senior environmental specialist at the World Bank and co-author of the report, stresses the importance of evidence-based policies and activities to reverse the trend of environmental degradation. By enhancing environmental protection measures, promoting green energy adoption, and fostering awareness, Bangladesh can pave the way for sustainable, environmentally conscious growth.
The report advocates for strategic prioritisation, diversification of environmental policy approaches, strengthening of institutional capacity, and fostering an enabling environment for green finance to safeguard Bangladesh’s environment and ensure a sustainable future.