Implementing Zero Dumping in Maritime Sectors of Bangladesh: Environmental Law Perspectives

Author: Abue Jawfore Taufique Ahamed Ahade, Sifat Tasnim, Mahir Ibne Mahfuz
DOI: doi.org/10.70279/bmj-v8-1041
Click here to view citation data

While up-to 90% of world's goods are transported through the sea, shipping industry is leaving its mark on nature too. Dumping from the ships has become a concern for world community since 1950 and London Convention and Protocol is the result of the idea of sustainable shipping, for best of both worlds. But no basin country of Bay of Bengal, including Bangladesh signed any of those and didn’t take strong position against the dumping. As a result, environmental degradation, imbalance in eco system, introduction of hazardous substance, extinction of species has been noticed in this region. It should be our prime concern to adopt strict laws against dumping in the sea and set the goal of “zero dumping” gradually. The concept of Zero dumping is promising, but hard to achieve and it may take years to implement it. This paper explores the current legal framework governing marine pollution, both national and international, particularly the practice of dumping waste, and advocates for the implementation of a "Zero Dumping" policy in the maritime sector of Bangladesh. It highlights the probable challenges Bangladesh may face to adopt Zero dumping by analyzing socio-economic condition of the country. By analyzing international conventions, existing Bangladeshi laws, and environmental policies and challenges of implementation of Zero dumping, this research aims to provide a comprehensive plan to create legal instruments on mitigating marine pollution. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of sustainable maritime practices to ensure the protection of marine
biodiversity and align with global environmental goals.