Illegal occupation, filling, unauthorized excavation or conversion of haors, wetlands or sandbanks will lead to up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka 10 lakh. For polluting water, soil or the environment, the ordinance stipulates two years’ imprisonment or a fine of Taka two lakh, or both. According to the ordinance, an official list of haors and wetlands across the country will be prepared. The ordinance mandates that the concerned department will formulate a master plan for the protection, conservation, development and integrated management of haors and wetlands and update it regularly. Before undertaking any development project related to haors or wetlands, the opinion of the Haor and Wetland Development Department must be obtained.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 15, 2026 07:05 UTC