Rethinking Environmental Impact Assessment in Bangladesh: Challenges, Gaps, and Pathways Forward

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal obligation in Bangladesh for projects with substantial environmental and socio-economic impacts. Over time, Bangladesh has established sound policies, rules, and a growing workforce to support the EIA process. However, two key issues persist: the effectiveness of EIA reports and weak implementation of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). In practice, implementing agencies often prioritize physical progress over environmental safeguards, treating the EIA as merely a clearance formality for Planning Commission approval. Regulatory bodies, such as the Department of Environment and the Planning Commission, frequently neglect the substantive review of EIA reports, focusing on checklist requirements rather than rigorous environmental scrutiny. This procedural mindset undermines the role of EIA as a strategic planning and decision-making tool. This study examines each step of the EIA process, from report preparation to EMP implementation, highlighting gaps that require sustainable improvements. A mixed-method approach was employed to evaluate the quality of the EIA process, with particular attention to its methodological rigor, accuracy of impact assessment, challenges in public participation, and the effectiveness of the proposed EMPs and their implementation. The recommendations presented in this study aim to enhance the efficiency of the EIA process and promote its application in similar contexts across developing countries.