The Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday passed the Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Bill-2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s environmental protection efforts. The bill aims to safeguard and promote the sustainable development of Bangladesh’s unique haor ecosystems and wetlands.
Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee presented the bill in the House, which was subsequently passed by voice vote with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.
The bill seeks to fulfill the state’s constitutional responsibility under Article 18 Ka, which mandates the protection of biodiversity and natural resources for current and future generations. Additionally, it complies with a High Court directive issued in 2020.
Under the proposed law, the existing Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Department will be formally established as a permanent entity under the Ministry of Water Resources. The department will be headed by a Director General appointed by the government and will be headquartered in Dhaka, with the authority to open regional offices in haor areas.
The bill introduces stringent regulations aimed at protecting the delicate balance of the country’s wetlands. Prohibited activities under the law include illegal encroachment, unauthorized excavation of haors and kanda (elevated lands), and the construction of infrastructure that disrupts natural water flow. It also bans actions leading to contamination of water, soil, and the environment.
Furthermore, the extraction of sand, stones, or minerals without prior approval, hunting migratory birds, destruction of swamp forests, and the use of banned fishing methods, such as electric shocks or destructive nets, are prohibited.
To curb unregulated urbanization and infrastructure development, the bill mandates that any government, private, or autonomous body must consult the Haor and Wetland Development Department before initiating any projects within haor or wetland areas. The department will evaluate whether the proposed projects harm the environment, biodiversity, local livelihoods, or disaster management infrastructure. However, the bill allows for exceptions in cases of repairing and maintaining existing flood control embankments.
The government is now empowered to issue Protection Orders for any wetland where biodiversity or specific species are under threat due to human intervention. Additionally, the bill grants the government the authority to designate certain haors as protected areas, establishing clear boundaries and restrictions on human activity to support ecosystem recovery.
The legislation also stipulates severe penalties for violations. The Director General of the department can assess the financial damage caused by individuals or organizations and order compensation or corrective actions. Failure to comply could lead to criminal prosecution. Offenses under this Act may be tried via mobile courts under the Mobile Court Act, 2009. Specific offenses could carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of Tk2 lakh, or both.
Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee explained that the Haor Development Board was established in 1977 to manage the vast haor and wetland areas of northeastern Bangladesh. This initiative aimed to support integrated management, infrastructure development, irrigation, flood control, fisheries, and agriculture. In 2016, the Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Department was formed to address gaps in the legal framework, particularly in managing uncontrolled development, unplanned infrastructure, and the detrimental use of chemicals in the region. The minister emphasized that the new law is essential for the protection of the environment, habitat, biodiversity, and ecosystem in these vital areas.
