Bangladesh, full of natural beauty, is at the peak of environmental risk: Chief Justice of Bangladesh
Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed said that Bangladesh, full of natural beauty, is at the peak of environmental risk today. The judiciary plays a crucial role in addressing threats from climate change, deforestation, industrial pollution, and uncontrolled urbanization.
He spoke to the chief guest at the seminar “Upholding Environmental Justice: The Role of Judges for a Sustainable Future” at a hotel in Dhaka on 15 March.
Chief Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin of Brazil’s National High Court was the special guest at a Supreme Court event. Justice Farah Mahbub of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court delivered the welcome address at the event.
Attorney General Md. The event was attended by Asaduzzaman, Barrister M Mahbub Uddin Khokon (President of the Supreme Court Bar Association), and Brazilian Ambassador Paulo Fernando Dias Ferres.
The Chief Justice stated that we are not just observers of the environmental crisis; we must act as protectors of justice against environmental destruction.
He said, the country’s judiciary has historically been a pioneer in protecting the environment through constitutional orders and legal interventions in various public interest cases. Groundbreaking judgments in river protection, air quality control and enforcement of environmental laws are proof of our commitment.
The Chief Justice said, “The Sundarbans are one of the many things that make our country unique. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world. The Sundarbans has also been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, the rare Irrawaddy dolphin, and many species of birds, reptiles and marine life. Not only that, the Sundarbans also act as a natural shield for us.
It protects our coastal areas from cyclones and tidal waves. At the same time, our Sundarbans play an important role in climate control by sequestering carbon.
The Chief Justice stated that the Sundarbans, despite its significant environmental and economic value, is currently in a severe crisis. Rising sea levels, increasing salinity, industrial encroachment, and uncontrolled deforestation are pushing the Sundarbans to the brink of environmental destruction.
He warned that if we don’t act now, we could cause irreversible environmental damage and put millions of people at risk.
The Chief Justice stated that it is our responsibility to safeguard this vital sanctuary for future generations through a strong legal framework, sustainable policies, and ongoing judicial oversight.
The Chief Justice also said that when I took the oath as the 25th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. A huge responsibility was placed on my shoulders. After taking office, I announced a detailed roadmap for judicial reforms. If implemented, this initiative will strengthen the judiciary.
