Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday accused politically backed criminals of causing significant damage to the country’s biodiversity and natural resources.
“Under various pretexts, a group of criminals—sheltered by politicians—have destroyed our biodiversity. These individuals have no moral right to govern,” he said on the second day of the 4th International Conference on Urban and Regional Planning, held at the CIRDAP auditorium and organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners.
He lamented the degradation of rivers and the expansion of unplanned development.
“We are now cultivating rice in riverbeds. Rivers are the veins and arteries of our land—yet we are destroying them. Once, they teemed with fish. Today, unscientific and reckless development is wiping out our natural wealth,” he said, pledging that, if elected, his party would rely on professional planners to guide development.
Leaders from other political parties echoed similar concerns at the event.
Amar Bangladesh Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said citizens no longer feel a sense of ownership over the state, blaming unplanned development for damaging national assets.
“Our politics focuses on solutions. We want people to understand their rights and responsibilities,” he added.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna stressed the need for integrated planning that connects urban and rural development and incorporates professional expertise.
Gonosonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki highlighted the ecological cost of poor governance.
“Nature knows no artificial borders. Without comprehensive planning across every part of Bangladesh, we risk even greater loss. This government has sidelined meaningful reforms in favour of opportunists, often protected by the bureaucracy,” he said.
Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque warned that continued environmental neglect would make Dhaka uninhabitable within decades.
“Our greatest assets—human capital, fresh water and fertile land—are being destroyed. The only solution is decentralisation,” he said.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Ashraful Alam pointed to Islamic principles of sustainable planning.
“Islam encourages resource conservation. The Prophet taught us not to block light or air from our neighbours and warned against wasting water, even when surrounded by it,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
