Morph Bangladesh

Latest write-up by Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Faculty Member, DIU, and Executive Director, MoRPH

Tax law, zakat, and public welfare Under Bangladesh’s taxation law, payment of zakat only operates as a deduction to taxable income instead of reducing the tax liability.

Delighted to meet with the Head of Department of Software Engineering (SWE), Daffodil International University (DIU), and share two recent achievements: receiving the GTCF Award 2026 on the World Environment Day and writing a chapter to the book Rohingya Stories: History and Geopolitics in a Multipolar World.

I am grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to contribute to research, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful dialogue on issues that matter.

My sincere thanks to the Head of SWE, DIU, for the warm reception, encouragement, and continued support of academic and professional excellence.

🌿📚🏆

Shared moments beyond the class with my students of Sec 48-A, Dept of Software Engineering, DIU.

This article analyses how the close relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in Bangladesh compromises the principle of separation of powers.

Bangladesh follows a parliamentary form of government where the Executive is formed from the majority party in the Legislature. In this system, the Prime Minister and most ministers are also members of Parliament. Although this arrangement ensures coordination between the two organs, it often compromises the principle of separation of powers.

Firstly, the Executive exercises strong influence over the Legislature because the ruling party usually controls the majority of seats in Parliament. As a result, Parliament often approves government bills and policies with limited opposition or debate. Members of Parliament from the ruling party are generally expected to follow party decisions, reducing independent legislative oversight.

Secondly, the cabinet dominates the law-making process. In theory, the Legislature is responsible for making laws, but in practice, most bills are drafted and introduced by the Executive. This weakens the independence of the Legislature and increases executive control over governance.

Thirdly, the system of party discipline in Bangladesh further limits separation of powers. According to Article 70 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, Members of Parliament can lose their seats if they vote against their political party. This discourages MPs from criticizing government decisions or voting independently, thereby strengthening executive dominance.

Moreover, parliamentary oversight mechanisms are often ineffective. Although Parliament has the authority to question ministers and hold the Executive accountable, strong party control frequently limits meaningful scrutiny. Consequently, checks and balances between the two organs become weak.

However, some level of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature is necessary in a parliamentary democracy for political stability and effective governance. The fusion of powers can help the government pass laws efficiently and implement policies quickly.

In conclusion, while the parliamentary system of Bangladesh promotes coordination between the Executive and the Legislature, the dominance of the ruling party, cabinet control over legislation, and strict party discipline significantly compromise the principle of separation of powers. Strengthening parliamentary independence and accountability mechanisms is essential for ensuring a more balanced democratic system.

With the students of 47E, SWE, DIU

My students surprised me with this beautiful bouquet. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming at all—especially since I’ve always been quite strict in class and during exams.

But moments like this remind me that discipline and care can go hand in hand. Feeling grateful and a little humbled. 🌸

Environmental Degradation in Bangladesh and Climate Action Strategies

Introduction

Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment due to human activities and natural processes, resulting in the depletion of resources, loss of biodiversity, and decline in environmental quality. Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, faces acute environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and its vulnerability to climate change. The drivers of environmental degradation in Bangladesh are multifaceted and interconnected, requiring a comprehensive set of mitigation strategies that integrate both environmental management and climate action.

Key Drivers of Environmental Degradation in Bangladesh

One of the primary drivers is unplanned urbanization. Cities such as Dhaka have expanded rapidly without adequate infrastructure or environmental planning. This has resulted in poor waste management, drainage congestion, and the encroachment of wetlands, contributing to waterlogging and urban pollution.

Another major factor is industrialization and pollution. The expansion of industries, particularly textiles and tanneries, has led to the discharge of untreated industrial waste into rivers such as the Buriganga. This has severely degraded water quality and created significant public health risks.

Deforestation and land degradation also play a critical role. Forest areas are being cleared for agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure development. Additionally, practices such as hill cutting in regions like Chattogram accelerate soil erosion and increase the risk of landslides.

Unsustainable agricultural practices further contribute to environmental decline. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides depletes soil fertility and contaminates water sources, while over-irrigation strains groundwater reserves.

Air pollution is another pressing issue, particularly in urban areas. Emissions from brick kilns, vehicles, and construction activities have made air quality in cities like Dhaka among the worst globally, posing serious health risks.

Finally, climate change acts as both a driver and multiplier of environmental degradation. Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, cyclones, and flooding, which lead to salinity intrusion, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. These climate-induced stresses exacerbate existing environmental challenges.

Mitigation Strategies: Environmental and Climate Action

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of policy interventions, technological solutions, and community engagement.

First, strengthening environmental governance is essential. This includes stricter enforcement of environmental laws, effective monitoring systems, and mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for development projects.

Second, sustainable urban planning must be prioritized. Planned urban expansion, improved waste management systems, and the protection of natural water bodies and wetlands can significantly reduce environmental stress in cities.

Third, afforestation and ecosystem conservation are crucial. Reforestation initiatives and the protection of critical ecosystems such as the Sundarbans can enhance biodiversity and act as natural buffers against climate impacts.

Fourth, promoting cleaner industrial practices is necessary. Industries should adopt green technologies and install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to reduce pollution.

Fifth, sustainable agricultural practices should be encouraged. This includes reducing chemical inputs, promoting organic farming, and adopting efficient irrigation techniques.

Finally, climate action measures must be integrated into national development strategies. Expanding renewable energy sources such as solar power, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure like cyclone shelters and embankments, and strengthening community-based adaptation programs are key steps toward mitigating climate risks.

Critical Analysis

While Bangladesh has adopted several environmental policies and climate strategies, implementation remains a significant challenge. Weak institutional capacity, lack of coordination, and competing priorities between economic growth and environmental protection often undermine progress. Moreover, many environmental issues, such as transboundary river management, require regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, environmental degradation in Bangladesh is driven by a complex interplay of human activities and climate-related factors. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated and multi-dimensional approach that combines environmental protection with proactive climate action. Achieving sustainable development will depend on the country’s ability to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability through effective governance, technological innovation, and collective action.

🎓 MoRPH Research Support Programme

Become a MoRPH Researcher

🔍 About the Programme

The MoRPH Research Support Programme is designed to support aspiring researchers through mentorship, field engagement, and academic guidance. Participants will join as MoRPH Researchers and gain practical experience to strengthen their academic and professional research profile.

✨ What You Will Gain
• 📊 Hands-on field research experience
• 👨‍🏫 Mentorship from experienced researchers
• 🧠 Support in research design and methodology
• 📝 Guidance on report writing & publication
• 🎓 Certificate as a MoRPH Researcher
• 🚀 Enhanced profile for higher studies (including PhD opportunities)

👥 Who Can Apply
• Undergraduate & postgraduate students
• Early-career researchers
• Individuals interested in field-based research and social impact

🌐 Apply Now

https://morphbangladesh.org/forms/morph-research-support-programme

🏢 Organized by:
MoRPH Bangladesh