Discussion Meeting "Bangladesh's Beels, Haors and Wetlands in Crisis: Sustainable Conservation through Public Participation"

At a seminar organized by the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections, civil society members and environmentalists urged the government and political candidates to prioritize the conservation of beels, haors, canals, and wetlands in national policy and election manifestos. Speakers highlighted severe wetland loss due to weak implementation of existing laws and poor coordination among government agencies, particularly between the Land Ministry and relevant bodies.

Data presented showed alarming environmental degradation: Bangladesh has lost about 70% of its wetlands since 1971, while Dhaka has lost most of its wetlands and canals, accompanied by drastic groundwater depletion. Participants criticized unplanned development, illegal encroachment, and excessive groundwater extraction, warning of future water crises.

Speakers emphasized the need for political will, people’s participation, use of indigenous knowledge, environmental education, and inclusion of youth and marginalized communities. The seminar concluded with a call to make wetland conservation a national development priority, ensure budgetary allocation, and strengthen coordinated and participatory implementation of conservation laws.