হাওর রক্ষা আন্দোলন

Protecting Wetlands, Preserving Life.

Law & environmental protection

Haor, River & Wetland Protection Laws

Explore the laws relevant to protecting Bangladesh's haors, rivers, wetlands, water resources and biodiversity.

Explore the laws Our responsibility

INTRODUCTION

Why do these laws matter?

Haors, rivers and wetlands are essential to Bangladesh's environment, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and local livelihoods. Understanding relevant laws helps communities recognise their environmental responsibilities and identify the appropriate authorities when protection is needed.

This page introduces relevant legislation and summarises its subject matter. Consult the official legal text for exact wording, section numbers, exceptions and application.

RELEVANT LEGISLATION

Laws and relevant provisions

Each law is presented as a numbered section. These summaries do not replace the complete official legislation.

PRIMARY LAW

Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Act, 2026

Act No. 10 of 2026 · 10 April 2026

The principal legislation specifically addressing the protection, conservation and development of haors and wetlands in Bangladesh.

01.1 — Listing haors and wetlands

Section 8 addresses the preparation of a list of haors and wetlands, while Section 9 concerns the preparation of a master plan.

01.2 — Protection and reserved wetlands

Sections 11 and 12 address protection orders and the declaration of reserved haors and wetlands.

01.3 — Prohibited activities

Section 13 specifically addresses prohibited activities in haor and wetland areas.

01.4 — Development projects and ecosystem damage

Sections 14 and 15 address departmental opinions on development projects and action against damage to haor and wetland ecosystems.

01.5 — Offences, penalties and enforcement

Sections 19–23 cover investigation and trial, offences and penalties, related matters, and the application of the Mobile Court Act, 2009.

WATER RESOURCES

Bangladesh Water Act, 2013

Act No. 14 of 2013

Provides a legal framework for the integrated management, use, protection and conservation of water resources.

02.1 — Water-resource management

Relevant to the responsible management and use of water resources in rivers, wetlands and connected water systems.

02.2 — Sustainable water use

Water-resource decisions should be considered within the applicable legal framework and the needs of connected ecosystems.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995

Check the current consolidated text and amendments

An important part of Bangladesh's environmental legal framework, relevant to environmental protection and pollution control.

03.1 — Environmental protection

Environmental decisions and activities should comply with applicable environmental legislation and rules.

03.2 — Pollution prevention

Pollution affecting water, habitats and surrounding communities should be addressed through the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

BIODIVERSITY

Bangladesh Biodiversity Act, 2017

Biodiversity conservation

Relevant to the conservation of biological diversity and the protection and sustainable use of biological resources.

04.1 — Ecosystems and species

Wetlands support fish, birds, plants and other organisms whose habitats contribute to ecological balance.

04.2 — Responsible use of biological resources

Conservation efforts should consider biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources under applicable law.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Wildlife Conservation Legislation

Consult the current official legislation

Wildlife legislation is relevant to the protection of wild animals, habitats and protected areas, including those associated with wetlands.

05.1 — Wildlife and habitat protection

Protecting wildlife also requires safeguarding feeding, breeding and migration habitats.

05.2 — Protected areas and restrictions

Applicable restrictions depend on the current legislation, the designated area and the activity involved.

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Our responsibility to protect haors and rivers

The following principles support Haor Rokkha Andolan's public-awareness work; they are not direct quotations from legislation.

01
Do not illegally fill, occupy or alter wetlands.
02
Protect rivers, canals and natural water flows.
03
Prevent pollution and the destruction of aquatic habitats.
04
Protect fish, migratory birds and wetland biodiversity.
05
Report suspected violations to the appropriate authority.

Legal notice

This page is for general information and public awareness. It does not replace the full legislation or legal advice. Laws may be amended. Before acting on a complaint, project, restriction or penalty, verify the current official text, applicable rules and guidance from the relevant authority.