Dear Sir,
In many developing countries, economic and infrastructural development is often pursued at the expense of the environment. However, the belief that development and environmental conservation are inherently contradictory is a misconception. Human activities place immense pressure on nature, and this pressure ultimately threatens development itself. Rivers, forests, wetlands, and floodplains play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and sustaining livelihoods.
Today, unplanned expansion of brick kilns, deforestation, encroachment of water bodies, and uncontrolled industrialization are disrupting this balance. Environmental damage such as floods and waterlogging is largely caused by unscientific dam construction and riverbed encroachment. Urban areas face severe air and water pollution due to unmanaged waste and excessive plastic use. In many cities, air pollution exceeds World Health Organization limits by three to four times, harming public health and reducing economic productivity.
Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand. Any progress that destroys nature is ultimately unsustainable and threatens future generations.
Mohammad Jahangir Islam
University of Rajshahi
