Environmental crimes and green criminology in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is an environmentally vulnerable country, where environmental crimes are massive and common. However, the environmental crime prevention mechanism in the country is very weak, and traditional policing is utilized to stop these crimes. Therefore, the green criminological approach to prevent environmental crimes in Bangladesh is underdeveloped in many ways, with a total absence of the green policing model. Hence, this study focuses on attaining a critical understanding of environmental crimes in Bangladesh by exploring the key underlying factors of environmental crimes. It also attempts to contribute to the environmental crime prevention mechanism by recommending a green policing model, while identifying the key weaknesses of the existing environmental crime prevention approach. This article implements the qualitative technique of data collection, and the analysis is based on an in-depth interview of 25 respondents, belonging to different categories of stakeholders, and participant observation. It also analyses the content of newspapers to understand the patterns of environmental crimes in Bangladesh. This article finds that environmental crimes are propagated by several political, economic, institutional, and social elements, such as the political affiliation of criminals, economic profit from natural resources, absence of institutional collaboration, and lack of social consciousness. The issue has become further aggravated due to the weakness of the crime prevention mechanism. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that environmental crimes in Bangladesh should be considered and understood from green criminological perspectives and the development of a green policing model would be effective in reducing environmental crimes in the country.

Failing to attain sustainable development in Bangladesh: A potential comprehensive strategy for sustainability

“…Additionally, numerous individuals, businesses, and other organizations have seized substantial tracts of the riverbanks, contributing to the accumulation of waste on both flanks of the Karnaphuli River. This finding is consistent with the observations made by Sharif and Uddin (2021), who have also reported the illegal occupation of riverbanks along the Karnaphuli River. Furthermore, the study has highlighted that industrial activities in the city lead to air pollution, which can significantly affect public health and the well‐being of local communities.…”

“…Meanwhile, Tasnim et al (2022) focused on the SDGs indicators trend in cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Khulna, where they found the urban ecosystems in most of these cities were worsening, indicating the need for sustainable urban development practices. Additionally, Sharif and Uddin (2021) identified the role of environmental crimes, driven by economic interests and political pressure, in hindering sustainable development and reconciling development and the environment. Finally, Baul et al (2021) highlighted the waste management practices in the food industry, particularly in restaurants, and the environmental risks posed by garbage disposal in landfills despite being aware of the risks.…”

“…The study proposes a comprehensive strategy for achieving sustainable development and environmental sustainability while reconciling development and the environment (Figure 2). This strategy is based on several sources of information, including the SDGs, identified problems in the city, suggestions from respondents especially the KIIs, and existing literature from experts such as Murshed et al (2023); Kaiser (2023); Murshed, Ahmed, et al, 2021; Giuliodori et al (2023); Sharif and Uddin (2021); Rume and Islam (2020); Omri and Mabrouk (2020); Mensah, 2019; and Spangenberg (2004).…”

Environmental education for sustainable development in Bangladesh and its challenges

“…However, the environmental awareness, knowledge, and environmental practices of the younger generation in Bangladesh are not up to the mark (Islam et al, 2016). Moreover, the county's condition of political economy, level of environmental education, environmental crimes, inequality, and poor implementation of environmental policies (Sharif and Uddin, 2023) are significant challenges to SDGs' adaptation and implementation. Existing studies on environmental education and sustainable development in Bangladesh have not paid adequate attention to the gaps between environmental education and environmental practice in Bangladesh.…”

“…In the country, many development projects with donor agencies' support are also ongoing. However, as Bangladesh is an environmentally vulnerable country with extreme weather conditions and environmental crimes, the country is prone to many risks from climate change (Ahsan & Warner, 2014, Sharif and Uddin, 2023). Moreover, the country aims to achieve SDGs by 2030.…”