Bangladesh’s remarkable development over the past five decades has driven significant economic and social progress. Yet, this growth has often come at the expense of environmental sustainability and social equity. Our latest report dives deep into this complex balance, using Bangladesh’s water sector as a case study to reveal how economic, social and environmental goals intersect – and sometimes clash.
Water is the lifeblood of Bangladesh’s economy – from sustaining agriculture, which feeds millions and supports livelihoods, to powering the textile industry’s move towards high-value production. But this heavy reliance on water has led to alarming groundwater depletion, pollution and unequal access to safe water and sanitation, especially for vulnerable communities.
This report examines current policies and governance, highlighting gaps where social inclusion is overlooked and where environmental goals struggle to translate into effective action on the ground. Through detailed stakeholder insights and rigorous analysis, it uncovers the challenges that hinder sustainable water management and the well-being of all citizens.
Importantly, the study offers forward-thinking recommendations to bridge these divides: updating national policies, enhancing governance transparency, empowering local communities,and fostering collaborative multi-stakeholder efforts. These steps are essential to ensure that Bangladesh’s water sector supports a truly inclusive and sustainable economic transformation.
Authors: Fahmida Khatun, Mizan R. Khan, Foqoruddin Al Kabir, Towrin Zaman Raya
Publication Period: November 2025
