AT DAWN over Hakaluki Haor, the cry of Pallas鈥檚 fish eagles blends with the soft slap of paddles from early fishermen. Yet, beneath this tranquil surface lies the story of an ecosystem under siege and a nation grappling with the consequences of losing its natural flood buffers.
Bangladesh鈥檚 wetlands, once vast and resilient, are shrinking rapidly. The national wetland policy estimates that they now cover less than 7 per cent of the country鈥檚 area, down from more than 10 per cent in the 1980s. Urban encroachment, unplanned infrastructure and pollution are leading causes. Satellite imagery and field assessments show relentless infilling and canal blockage from Gazipur to Khulna, destroying vital floodplains that once absorbed storm surges, filtered pollutants and recharged groundwater.
Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 recognises wetlands as critical to climate adaptation and water security. Yet, the gap between policy and practice remains wide. A rapid urbanisation around Dhaka and Chattogram has led to indiscriminate filling of low-lying areas. Seasonal wetlands along the Turag and the Balu have disappeared under layers of sand and brick chips, stripping cities of their natural drainage. Each monsoon season now brings urban flooding and economic losses, underscoring the costs of ignoring the natural defences.
Protecting wetlands is not only an environmental imperative but an economic one. Studies suggest that losing a single hectare of wetland can increase annual flood damage costs by up to $2,000 because of the reduced water absorption capacity. By contrast, community-led wetland restoration, as seen in Tanguar Haor, has demonstrated how inclusive management can sustain livelihood while enhancing flood regulation and biodiversity. There, joint initiatives have revived fish stocks, improved water quality and attracted migratory birds, offering a model for scaleable, community-based wetland management.
Pollution remains a formidable challenge. Industrial effluents, untreated sewage and pesticide-laden runoff continue to choke water bodies. The National River Conservation Commission has highlighted alarming levels of heavy metals in wetlands near industrial zones, threatening both biodiversity and public health. Addressing this requires strong enforcement and incentives for industries to adopt clean practices. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, combining engineering with nature-based solutions, can reduce pollutant loads while supporting water quality.
The degradation of wetlands also threatens biodiversity. Bangladesh鈥檚 wetlands host globally significant populations of migratory birds and fish species, many now at risk from habitat loss and pollution. Declining wetland vegetation reduces breeding grounds for fish, impacting food security and nutrition for communities dependent on fishing and wetland agriculture.
Yet, there are pathways forward. Community-led restoration projects in Sylhet and Sunamganj have showed that collaboration between local communities, non-governmental organisations and authorities can revive degraded wetlands. Local knowledge, combined with scientific monitoring, can guide sustainable fishing practices and seasonal water management, keeping wetlands productive while preserving their ecological functions. Public-private partnership schemes can further support restoration efforts, with corporate social responsibility initiatives financing reforestation, canal cleaning and eco-tourism ventures that generate income while promoting conservation.
The role of wetlands in climate adaptation is clear. Wetlands sequester carbon, mitigate urban heat and support groundwater recharge, aligning with the national adaptation plan and commitments under the Paris agreement. Mangrove restoration in coastal wetlands offers a dual benefit: protecting communities from storm surges while supporting livelihood and biodiversity. Nature-based solutions such as floodplain restoration and river-wetland re-connection can be more cost-effective than hard infrastructure while providing long-term resilience.
Policymakers and investors have a stake in wetland protection. The World Bank estimates that every dollar invested in nature-based flood management can yield up to five dollars in avoided damage and economic benefits. As climate finance flows increase, Bangladesh has the opportunity to align investments with wetland restoration priorities under the Delta Plan and the national wetland policy, building resilience against floods and water crises.
Time is short. Climate change is intensifying rainfall variability, sea-level rise and salinity intrusion, further stressing wetland systems. Urban expansion is projected to increase by more than 50 per cent by 2050, threatening wetlands around growing cities unless strategic action is taken.
Protecting wetlands is no longer an environmental issue alone. It is tied to food security, water safety and economic stability. Restoring wetlands is a practical necessity rooted in science and economics. It requires leadership that bridges policy and implementation, investments that prioritise resilience and a societal commitment to safeguard these critical ecosystems.
As the sun sets over the haors, it is clear that the story of wetlands is the story of the country, a story of resilience and a constant dance with water. Protecting and restoring wetlands is not merely about preserving beauty. It is also about ensuring a secure and thriving future for the generations to come.
听
Dr Makhan Lal Dutta, an agricultural engineer, is chairman and chief executive officer of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy.
