Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar have agreed on their borders in the Bay of Bengal, but fish and fishers do not adhere to these boundaries, leading to conflicts and overfishing. Conservationists warn that without regional cooperation, fish stocks could disappear, affecting the livelihoods of millions. Efforts like BIMSTEC and initiatives by the Global Environment Facility and UN FAO have seen limited success. Arrests and jailing of foreign fishers exacerbate human suffering without aiding conservation. Experts call for bilateral or multilateral agreements, data sharing, and joint management to sustain fisheries and protect migratory species.

Bangladesh's intensive fish farming practices, introduced in the 1980s, have led to significant environmental and public health concerns. The use of non-organic fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics in aquaculture has resulted in pollution, the collapse of freshwater systems, and health hazards. Despite the dramatic increase in fish production, the environmental impact has been severe, with harmful chemicals contaminating water bodies and contributing to a 'dead zone' in the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute and other state-run agencies have been criticized for promoting these harmful practices, while researchers and academics call for sustainable management of inland fisheries to mitigate the damage.

The Asian Development Bank is constructing a railway corridor through ecologically critical areas in Bangladesh as part of the Trans-Asia Railway Network. The project, which aims to boost regional trade, has been criticized for its severe environmental impact and inadequate consultation with local communities. Experts and activists argue that the project will cause irreversible damage to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including the last remaining habitat of Asian elephants in Bangladesh. The project has also been criticized for displacing over 2,000 families, many of whom may not receive compensation. Calls for more resources to mitigate ecological damages and restore lost ecosystems have been made, but concerns about the project's long-term impact remain.

The article discusses the state of undernourishment and malnutrition in Bangladesh, highlighting the findings of a United Nations report which states that the number of undernourished people in Bangladesh has increased. Despite being a country with abundant fish resources, the decline in indigenous fish species and the rise of monoculture fish farming have led to a decrease in the nutritional quality of fish available for consumption. Public health professionals and researchers argue that the loss of fish biodiversity is affecting the country's ability to combat malnutrition, especially among children. The article also explores potential solutions such as small-scale organic fish farming, pond poly-culture, and integrated aquaculture techniques. It mentions the success of sustainable management of the Hilsa fishery and the hope that similar practices can be applied to other fisheries. The article is written by independent journalist Mohammad Arju and was originally published on The Third Pole.

The article discusses the conflicts arising from the undefined maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal, where fishers from Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar often cross into each other's Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in search of better catches. This has led to clashes, arrests, and sometimes the sinking of vessels. The overfishing in the bay is depleting fish stocks, affecting millions who rely on fishing for food and income. Despite attempts at cooperation, such as BIMSTEC and initiatives by the FAO, there has been little progress on the water. The article also touches on the lack of adherence to international laws like UNCLOS, which advises against jailing foreign fishers. The need for bilateral or multilateral agreements for fisher repatriation and harmonized policies for marine conservation across the Bay of Bengal countries is emphasized, as well as the importance of protecting migratory and threatened marine species.

Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar have agreed on their borders in the Bay of Bengal, but fishers often cross these boundaries, leading to conflicts and arrests. Conservationists warn that without regional cooperation, both fish stocks and fisher safety are at risk. Despite attempts at fostering collaboration, such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, overfishing and enforcement issues persist. Experts argue that jailing fishers does not aid conservation and call for bilateral agreements and better data sharing. The article highlights the need for joint management to sustain the fisheries and protect migratory species in the Bay of Bengal.

The Asian Development Bank is funding a 1.8 billion USD railway project in Bangladesh, part of the Trans-Asia Railway Network, which is expected to connect India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. The project, however, is raising significant environmental concerns as it cuts through the last remaining tropical hill forests and wildlife sanctuaries along the Bay of Bengal coast. The construction has been classified as having a severe impact on both the environment and local communities, potentially leading to irreversible damage. Critics argue that the ADB is exploiting Bangladesh's weakened democracy to bypass proper procedures and ignore local opposition. The railway threatens aquatic ecosystems, cuts through elephant corridors, and will displace over 2,000 families. Despite these issues, the project continues, with some former officials suggesting that if ecological restoration is conducted alongside construction, a balance might be achieved.

Bangladesh has seen a significant increase in fish production, becoming the fifth-largest aquaculture producer globally. However, this growth has led to severe ecological consequences, including the degradation of freshwater systems and the creation of a dead zone in the Bay of Bengal. Intensive fish-farming practices, heavily reliant on non-organic fertilisers and chemicals, have been identified as major contributors to these issues. The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute and other state-run agencies have been criticized for promoting these harmful practices. The article highlights the urgent need for sustainable management of fisheries and a shift towards organic farming to mitigate environmental damage.

Bangladesh's intensive fish farming practices, introduced in the 1980s, have led to significant environmental and health concerns. The use of non-organic fertilisers, pesticides, and antibiotics in fish farming has caused widespread pollution, harming local aquatic ecosystems and posing health risks to consumers. Despite the dramatic increase in fish production, the environmental impact has been severe, with reports of 'dead zones' in the Bay of Bengal and the degradation of freshwater systems. Experts and studies highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate these issues.

Bangladesh is enforcing a 65-day ban on all marine fishing to conserve fish and crustacean species, affecting over half a million poor fishers. The ban, which was previously enforced only on large trawlers, now includes artisanal boats, leading to protests and hardship for the fishers with no alternative livelihoods. The government has announced food relief for 400,000 fishing families, but many have not received this aid, and the distribution is alleged to be politicized and corrupt. The ban has led to a significant loss of income for these families, who rely on the peak monsoon fishing season. Despite the protests, the ban remains in place, with some fishers receiving partial rice rations. Experts criticize the lack of scientific basis for the ban and suggest that local fisherfolk's knowledge should be considered in decision-making.