Dhaka: The President has enacted ‘The Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance, 2026′, setting strict penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of up to Taka 10 lakh to safeguard the country’s haors and wetlands from exploitation and damage. This legislative step underscores the government’s commitment to preserving these crucial ecosystems.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ordinance was promulgated last evening by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law. It outlines that any violation of orders or directives will incur a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka 10 lakh, or both. Importantly, the offense and punishment under the ordinance are categorized as cognizable, non-bailable, and non-negotiable.
The ordinance specifies that violating prohibitions in protected haor and wetland areas will result in penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of Taka five lakh, or both. Unauthorized extraction or use of water that harms the aquifer, aquatic life, or plants will attract similar penalties. Illegal occupation, filling, unauthorized excavation, or conversion of these areas will also lead to severe punishment.
Furthermore, the ordinance addresses environmental pollution, stipulating a maximum of two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka two lakh, or both, for polluting water, soil, or the environment. An official list of haors and wetlands will be compiled and published through a gazette notification, with provisions for updates based on input from District Administrators.
The legislation mandates the creation of a master plan for the protection, conservation, and management of haors and wetlands, ensuring alignment with existing government policies and strategies. The government is also empowered to designate any haor or wetland as a protected area, requiring consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Crucially, the ordinance stipulates that no development project related to haors or wetlands can proceed without the approval of the Haor and Wetland Development Department. It also provides for compensation and corrective measures if any activities damage the ecosystem of these areas.
The ordinance lists specific offenses and corresponding punishments, including unauthorized extraction of natural resources and harmful fishing practices, each punishable by two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka 10 lakh. Hunting migratory birds, destroying habitats, and other destructive activities are similarly penalized, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ecological preservation.