Bangladesh’s river island resorts face legal and ecological backlash from experts

Plans to transform newly formed islands in Bangladesh into leisure spots have sparked concerns about legal and environmental risks. Experts caution that such projects lack clear legal backing from attorneys and could harm river ecosystems. Authorities are now being urged to prioritize river protection over ad hoc development.

The proposal to build eco-parks or resorts on emerging river islands lacks a solid legal foundation. Current laws do not explicitly permit the conversion of these landforms into recreational infrastructure. Instead, the Inland Water Transport Authority's role is limited to maintaining waterways and ensuring safe navigation—not repurposing land.

The proposed eco-park also faces criticism for skipping key steps. No transparent environmental impact assessments have been conducted. There has been no independent review or coordination with the National River Conservation Commission, which oversees river protection and prevents encroachment. The Federal Environmental Agency, responsible for environmental studies, has not been involved in joint planning for the project. Courts have recently ordered stricter measures to protect rivers. The water transport authorities must now establish monitoring bodies to reduce pollution in the Sitalakhya river. These rulings underscore the need for better oversight and ecological safeguards.

Officials are being advised to halt unplanned development on unstable river formations. Instead, they should prioritize dredging, improving navigability, and restoring river health. Any future projects must follow environmental studies and involve coordinated planning between agencies to avoid further damage.