Bangladesh's Pollution Crisis: Why So Much Neglect?

Bangladesh is one of the most polluted countries in the world. In 2023, it recorded the worst air quality of 134 countries monitored by IQAir, a Swiss climate group. The country's growing use of fossil fuels, industrial fumes, and vehicle emissions have worsened air pollution and contributed to climate impacts. Cultural attitudes toward waste and a lack of accountability for poor waste management also play a role in the country's pollution problem. With a growing population and increasing industrialization, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in addressing its disastrous levels of smoke, haze, and pollutants in the atmosphere.

Poor waste management and normalisation of littering

Bangladesh is a rapidly growing, densely populated country, currently ranked as the ninth most populous and twelfth most densely populated country in the world. The urban population is projected to grow by 3% between 2010 and 2015, which has resulted in an increasing problem of waste management, particularly in larger cities. Dhaka, for example, is one of the most polluted cities globally, with waste management being a pressing issue.

The country's waste management system requires urgent modification to ensure environmental sustainability and equitable public health. The existing waste management system has been linked to surface and groundwater contamination, pungent odours, bio-aerosol emissions, and hazardous organic compounds. The improper disposal of solid waste, such as waste incineration, has caused adverse environmental and health effects.

The normalisation of littering in Bangladesh is a significant contributor to the country's pollution problem. People habitually dispose of their rubbish in inappropriate places, such as footpaths, vacant plots, and water bodies. This behaviour is learned and perpetuated by younger generations, who observe adults littering without consequence. There is a general lack of awareness about the impact of littering, and individuals are not held accountable for their actions.

To address this issue, Bangladesh has implemented several measures to improve waste management practices, particularly in urban areas. For example, the Dhaka City Corporation, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is working on a master plan to better handle solid waste management in Dhaka. Social enterprises, such as Waste Concern, have also emerged to tackle municipal waste accumulation by working directly with households. Additionally, UNICEF has initiated recycling programs and waste control initiatives in collaboration with city corporations and municipalities.

To effectively change behaviours towards waste disposal, social engineering techniques can be utilised. This includes creating awareness and educating people through programmes in schools, businesses, and NGOs. The government can also promote a better understanding of waste-related issues through documentaries, campaigns, and public service announcements. Building a strong sense of community and encouraging active participation in local environmental initiatives can also help foster a collective sense of responsibility for maintaining a clean environment.

Lack of bins and accountability for waste disposal

Bangladesh is facing a waste management crisis due to a lack of bins and accountability for waste disposal. The country's large and rapidly growing population, combined with a high population density, has led to an increasing problem of waste management, particularly in major cities like Dhaka. The total waste collection rate in these cities is only 37%, resulting in illegal waste disposal and serious environmental and health hazards.

One significant issue is the normalisation of littering in Bangladesh. There is a lack of accountability and consequences for individuals, factories, and businesses that engage in littering and polluting activities. Additionally, there is a cultural attitude that disposing of trash anywhere is acceptable. This mindset, coupled with insufficient bins and improper waste management practices, contributes to the country's pollution problem.

The waste that is collected often ends up in landfills, which are the most common method of waste disposal in Bangladesh. However, landfill waste management is associated with surface and groundwater contamination, odour issues, and the release of hazardous compounds. The Matuail Sanitary Landfill, for example, releases methane emissions equivalent to 190,000 cars, contributing to climate change.

Biomedical waste also poses a significant danger, as an estimated 20% is "highly infectious" and is often disposed of into the sewage system or drains, leading to serious health risks for residents. Furthermore, solid waste blocks drainage systems, causing street flooding and providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The lack of bins and proper waste disposal infrastructure in Bangladesh has severe consequences for the environment and public health. It is essential for the government and relevant authorities to address these issues through improved waste management practices, increased access to waste disposal services, and a shift in cultural attitudes towards littering.

High population density and vehicle usage

Bangladesh's high population density and vehicle usage are significant contributors to its pollution problem. Dhaka, the capital city, is a prime example of how these factors intersect to create a challenging environment. The rapid urbanization of Dhaka has resulted in a high population density, with a large portion of the country's population calling the city home. This density, coupled with poor waste management systems and inadequate infrastructure, has made it difficult to control the spread of disease and maintain adequate sanitation levels.

The high population density in Dhaka has also led to a high density of vehicles on the roads, exacerbating the city's air pollution levels. With a vast number of cars, motorbikes, buses, and trucks dominating the roads, it is inevitable that large amounts of vehicular emissions will be released into the atmosphere. These emissions include carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Nitrogen dioxide is of particular concern, as its concentration in the atmosphere is often used as an indicator of traffic-related pollution.

The growth in population has also led to a larger demand for housing and a boom in all industries. This has resulted in more construction sites, which contribute to air pollution through the release of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Sites with major construction work and persistent traffic in Dhaka City have been found to have the highest levels of air pollution, with PM2.5 levels up to 150% above the World Health Organization's Air Quality Guidelines. This is equivalent to smoking about 1.7 cigarettes per day.

Additionally, the growing population has increased the demand for transportation, leading to a higher number of vehicles on the roads. This increase in vehicle usage contributes to air pollution through the emission of exhaust fumes. Dhaka's socioeconomic diversity further complicates efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, as seen in the challenges of implementing models such as Mexico City's "hoy no circula" or Beijing's odd-and-even days to limit vehicle pollution.

To address the issues of high population density and vehicle usage in Bangladesh, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes improving waste management systems, promoting clean energy initiatives, and reducing vehicular emissions. Implementing fines and punishments for exceeding air pollution levels, as well as educating the general population about the harmful effects of pollution, can also help deter littering and encourage the use of cleaner fuel sources.

Industrial emissions and agricultural waste burning

Bangladesh's pollution problem is exacerbated by industrial emissions and agricultural waste burning. The country's growing use of fossil fuels, particularly oil, coal, and natural gas, has significantly worsened air pollution and contributed to climate change impacts. From 2010 to 2022, Bangladesh's consumption of oil and coal increased by three and six times, respectively, while natural gas usage rose by 52%. This has led to a rise in carbon emissions, tied to increasing levels of development fueled by hydrocarbons.

Industrial emissions are a major contributor to air pollution in Bangladesh, with factories and production houses releasing large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere. There is a lack of accountability for these businesses, as they often dump waste without proper disposal methods, and bribery and corruption allow them to evade environmental regulations. The country's major rivers have also experienced a severe decline in water quality due to industrial discharge, including plastics and untreated sewage.

Agricultural waste burning is another significant factor in Bangladesh's pollution crisis. While there is limited direct data on the impact of agricultural waste burning within Bangladesh, the practice is common in neighbouring India, and the resulting emissions do not respect political borders. India's crop residue burning contributes to poor air quality and imposes health burdens on its population, and these emissions undoubtedly affect Bangladesh as well. Small-scale farmers in Bangladesh may also burn crop waste due to a lack of capacity or means to handle it properly.

Bangladesh is taking some steps to address these issues. The country is investing in nuclear power, with two new plants expected to provide emissions-free energy. However, this pursuit has been costly, and recent geopolitical events have complicated the project. Bangladesh is also exploring liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, and vehicle emission reduction strategies are being considered.

Growing use of fossil fuels and single-use plastics

Bangladesh's growing use of fossil fuels has contributed to worsening air pollution and negative climate impacts. Between 2010 and 2022, the country's consumption of oil and coal rose by factors of three and six, respectively, while natural gas consumption increased by 52%. Bangladesh's carbon emissions are rising, tied to increasing levels of development fueled by hydrocarbons. As a result, the country's air quality has suffered, with average annual PM2.5 concentration levels in Dhaka rising from 84 μg/m³ in 2013 to 106 μg/m³ in 2021.

While Bangladesh's contribution to global emissions is relatively low (about 0.4% of world emissions), if the country's use and import of coal continue on their current trajectory, it will not only break national emissions records but also severely degrade air quality and hinder economic goals. To address this, Bangladesh is pursuing nuclear energy as a means to decarbonize and improve air quality, with the construction of two new nuclear power plants. While nuclear energy produces no emissions or pollutants, expanding this energy source further may prove challenging due to increased capital financing costs and geopolitical considerations.

In the nearer term, liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be a more affordable option for reducing air pollution. LNG, while a fossil fuel itself, burns cleaner than coal and oil, which can help improve air quality. Additionally, Bangladesh should target vehicles, a major source of air pollutants, with models such as Mexico City's 'hoy no circula' or Beijing's odd and even days to limit vehicle pollution.

The rapid growth and urbanization in Bangladesh have also led to a sharp increase in plastic use and pollution. In the last 15 years, the country's annual per capita plastic consumption in urban areas tripled, with consumption of LDPE packaging materials (plastic bags, etc.) increasing fivefold in 2020 compared to 2005. Of the 977,000 tons of plastic consumed in 2020, only 31% were recycled, with most of the mismanaged plastic waste being single-use plastics. These plastics are polluting cities, countryside, rivers, and canals, clogging drains, and causing urban flooding.

To tackle plastic pollution, Bangladesh has implemented various measures, including the Jute Packaging Act 2010, which promotes biodegradable jute sacks for several commodities as an alternative to plastic packaging. In 2020, a High Court directed authorities to ban single-use plastics in coastal areas and all hotels and motels. More recently, in 2024, the newly formed government began implementing existing laws to ban single-use plastics, with plans to gradually eliminate all possible plastic uses. These initiatives aim to reduce plastic waste, improve waste management, and promote behavioral changes to create a circular economy and ensure green growth.

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