-Mamun Kabir
Bangladesh is globally recognized as a climate-vulnerable country. Various regions of the nation are experiencing increased rainfall, cyclones, flooding, landslides, and salinity. These changes profoundly impact the lives of the majority of its people, particularly those living in coastal areas, hilly regions, and below the poverty line. However, addressing the effects of the climate crisis largely depends on governance. Weak governance, discriminatory policies, and the lack of effective actions exacerbate the crisis, further increasing the vulnerabilities of the people of Bangladesh.
The Impact of Climate Change on Bangladesh
Bangladesh faces extensive damages from climate change, primarily due to floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion, and rising sea levels. Some key facts highlight the significant impacts:
In 2024, devastating floods in Feni district caused substantial damage across various sectors. Approximately 70,415 semi-pucca and temporary houses, furniture, and electrical appliances were submerged, resulting in losses amounting to approximately BDT 53.59 billion. Another 67,287 houses were damaged, leading to an additional economic loss of BDT 70 billion. Damage to roads and infrastructure, including roads and bridges under LGED (Local Government Engineering Department) and the Roads and Highways Department, totaled BDT 14.48 billion. Overall, losses to roads and bridges were approximately BDT 58.8 billion.
The flood caused an estimated BDT 9.14 billion in damages to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. According to the district administration’s report, the total damages were estimated at BDT 160.58 billion, with partial losses amounting to BDT 140.49 billion, bringing the total to nearly BDT 300 billion. About 90% of the population in Feni district was affected by the flood, deeply impacting their livelihoods.
On average, 25–30% of Bangladesh’s land is flooded annually due to natural disasters. Between 1970 and 2000, 34 major floods occurred, with the 1988 flood being the most devastating, inundating nearly 70% of the country. Over 50 cyclones struck the coastal regions between 1970 and 2020. The 1991 cyclone claimed approximately 130,000 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Similarly, Cyclone Sidr in 2007 and Cyclone Aila in 2009 caused extensive damages.
Riverbank erosion remains a major issue in Bangladesh. Each year, river erosion destroys homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure along riverbanks. In southeastern and western regions, about 100,000 hectares of land are lost to river erosion annually. Rising sea levels, increasing at about 3.3 millimeters per year, severely affect coastal regions, displacing around 200,000 people each year.
Changes in rainfall patterns are also evident. Prolonged dry seasons and irregular rainfall cause substantial damage to agriculture. In 2009, irregular rainfall patterns triggered famine-like conditions in various regions. Climate change has also impacted public health, with rising temperatures increasing heat-related illnesses, diarrhea, and typhoid. Additionally, diseases like malaria and dengue have spread in various parts of the country.
Weak Governance and Inequality
When the government and administration attempt to address the climate crisis, policies and strategies often fail due to three primary factors: 1) weak governance, 2) discriminatory policies, and 3) corruption and abuse of power. The government’s inability to implement effective measures to combat climate change is a major contributing factor.
While the government has initiated several actions, these measures often fail to reach the people, especially marginalized communities. Ambitious plans like climate adaptation strategies for Kuakata beach, urban development projects, and road expansions lack proper oversight and resource allocation. In many areas, the quality of governance has declined, and citizens are not adequately engaged in governmental processes.
Challenges in Coastal Regions
The coastal population of Bangladesh bears the brunt of climate change and natural disasters. Cyclones, tidal surges, and salinity severely disrupt lives in these areas. Mismanagement of relief funds, inadequate distribution, and administrative inefficiencies further aggravate local suffering. For instance, environmental degradation in the Sundarbans and pollution of the Pashur River have turned into severe crises due to the lack of long-term monitoring by the government. Fisherfolk and farming communities are losing their livelihoods due to climate change, yet they often face corruption when seeking assistance.
Neglect of Marginalized Communities
Bangladesh is home to many marginalized groups who remain excluded from mainstream economic and governance systems, including ethnic minorities, women, indigenous populations, and those living below the poverty line. The effects of climate change are even more devastating for them, with weak governance and inequality exacerbating their challenges.
Adaptation planning for these communities often fails to consider their unique needs. For example, the cultural practices, lifestyles, and traditional knowledge of indigenous communities must be respected and integrated into adaptation efforts. Women, who play a crucial role in combating climate change, must be empowered to ensure their rights and participation in decision-making.
Poverty, Poor Governance, and Climate Change
Most of the Bangladesh’s population depends on agriculture, and climate change has disrupted their livelihoods. Flooding, cyclones, irregular rainfall, and waterlogging severely affect agricultural production. However, the lack of proper training and financial support from the government exacerbates the difficulties faced by farmers. Development initiatives are often hindered by bureaucratic complexities and corruption, creating unbearable conditions for vulnerable communities.
Poverty-stricken people often lack access to basic health services, education, and other essential facilities. Climate change intensifies these vulnerabilities, requiring increased support to help them become resilient to natural disasters.
The Need for Good Governance and Collaborative Efforts
Addressing the climate crisis requires effective governance, which can only be achieved through active public participation. Especially for marginalized communities, adaptation planning, environmental and social impact assessments for development initiatives, and integrated efforts are crucial.
The government must prioritize renewable energy use and take effective steps to protect natural resources. Rapidly reducing coal and fossil fuel usage and transitioning to environmentally friendly technologies are essential.
Weak governance, inequality, and corruption remain significant challenges in addressing the climate crisis in Bangladesh. The lack of quality governance and effective policies complicates the situation further. If the government and administration fail to implement measures for the people, this crisis will become a major catastrophe for the country.
Post-August 5, moving away from fascist bureaucratic practices and establishing good governance is critical for tackling the climate crisis. Structural reforms in governance, greater public awareness, and active involvement of civil society are necessary. Only through collective efforts can the climate crisis be successfully addressed.
We must act now to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for future generations.
Author: Mamun Kabir, Manager of Communications and Advocacy, Waterkeepers Bangladesh

Author: Mamun Kabir, Manager, Communications and Advocacy of Waterkeepers Bangladesh