According to the latest Bangladesh Country Environmental Analysis (CEA) conducted by the World Bank, a grim reality unfolds as environmental hazards like air pollution, unsafe water, and lead exposure contribute to over 272,000 premature deaths and 5.2 billion days of illness each year.
These alarming figures represent a staggering 17.6% of Bangladesh’s GDP in 2019, indicating the dire impact of environmental degradation on public health and economic stability.
The report underscores the disproportionate burden borne by households and communities, with household and outdoor air pollution alone accounting for nearly 55% of premature deaths, translating to a hefty 8.32% of GDP in 2019.
Abdoulaye Seck, Country Director for Bhutan and Bangladesh, emphasizes the urgency of addressing environmental risks as a developmental and economic imperative. He stresses the need for sustainable growth strategies that prioritize environmental preservation and resilience.
Children emerge as particularly vulnerable to environmental pollutants, with lead poisoning causing irreversible damage to their cognitive development, resulting in an estimated annual loss of nearly 20 million IQ points. Household emissions from solid fuel cooking exacerbate air pollution, disproportionately affecting women and children.
Moreover, major rivers in Bangladesh face severe degradation in water quality due to industrial discharge and unregulated waste disposal, posing further health risks to communities.
The report advocates for timely interventions, including air pollution control measures, improved water sanitation and hygiene practices, and stricter regulations on industrial emissions, which could prevent over 133,000 premature deaths annually.
Ana Luisa Gomes Lima, World Bank Senior Environmental Specialist, highlights the potential for reversing Bangladesh’s environmental degradation trend through targeted policies and investments. She emphasizes the importance of strengthening environmental regulations, promoting clean energy solutions, and fostering green financing mechanisms to foster sustainable growth.
Ultimately, the report calls for evidence-based strategies, institutional reforms, and enhanced governance to safeguard Bangladesh’s environment and pave the way for green growth initiatives.
