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1 Bangladesh 0. Rio + 20: National Report on Sustainable Development May 2012. Bangladesh Rio + 20: National Report on Sustainable Development May 2012. All rights reserved with respect to this document by the Ministry of Environment and Forests Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000. Bangladesh Overall guidance Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, MP, Honourable minister , Ministry of Finance Air Vice-Marshal (Rtd.) A. K. Khandker, Bir Uttom, MP, Honourable minister , Ministry of Planning Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Honourable minister , Ministry of Foreign affairs Dr.

2 Hasan Mahmud, MP, Honourable minister , Ministry of Environment and Forests Advisors Mr. Mesbah ul Alam, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairperson, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). National Drafting Committee Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad (Convener), Mr. Monowar Islam, Mr. Aparup Chowdhury, , Dr. Ainun Nishat, Dr. M. Asaduzzaman, Dr. Rezaul Karim, Dr. Ansarul Karim, Dr. Atiq A. Rahman, Dr. Mizan R. Khan, Mr. Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, Dr. Munjurul Hannan Khan, Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Dr. Rafique Ahammed, Dr.

3 Abu Saleh Mostafa Kamal, Dr. Mozaffor Hossain, Dr. , Mr. Ziaul Haque, Mr. Mirza Shawkat Ali, Mr. Abu Nayeem Md. Maruf Khan, Mr. Shamsuddoha, and Mr. Ahsanul Aziz, (Member-Secretary). (The listing of members is not in order of seniority). National Consultant Ms. Shireen Kamal Sayeed, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Specialist Cover Design: Mr. Shamim Iftekhar; Editing: Md. Shakil Khan Technical Guidance: Dr. Sarwat Chowdhury & Md. Tarik- ul- Islam Technical Assistance United Nations Development Programme Sheikh Hasina Prime minister Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Message I am happy to learn that the Ministry of Environment and Forests has prepared the Bangladesh National Report on Sustainable Development .

4 This report shows the successes achieved so far by Bangladesh , and its commitment to pursuing Sustainable Development in all its aspects. The report is an integrated, inclusive process involving economic, social and environmental aspects to meet the challenges of the future. Efforts to achieve Sustainable Development have been reflected through national policies and plans in Bangladesh . The government has incorporated environmental and social issues into its economic policies, and has strengthened its commitment to Sustainable Development . There is no alternative to achieving Sustainable Development for ensuring decent lives to the millions of people living in the LDCs.

5 This National Report provides outlines of progresses, remaining challenges, priorities and Suture directions, including strategies, policies and actions, for Sustainable Development goals to be achieved. Significant progress has been made in achieving most of the MDG targets within the given time- frame of 2015. Bangladesh will continue to meet the challenges of creating a favourable social, economic and envi- ronmental condition that will support the overall sustainability of the nation. Resource limitation is a major hindrance towards meeting these challenges. I call upon the international community to boost up their support and cooperation, and accomplish their commitments to the resource-starve countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable devel- opment goals.

6 I find this National Report is both a critical evaluation of our achievements and detailing ongoing future directives. I extend my sincere thanks to those whose immense contributions and untiring efforts have made possible to publish this report. Joi Bangla. Joi Bangabandhu May Bangladesh Live Forever. Sheikh Hasina III. Abul Maal A. Muhith minister Ministry of Finance Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Message I am pleased to learn that the Ministry of Environment and Forests is publishing a national report entitled "Rio+20: Bangladesh Report on Sustainable Development ".

7 Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world excluding the city states. Natural resources in the country are severely under stress simply because of this reality. Bangladesh is also a victim of environmental degradation which takes place elsewhere in its neighborhood as well as in distant countries. It is tragic, indeed, that global warming may extend the sea over 20 percent of Bangladesh 's territory displacing about 30 million people from their hearth and home . Even before Rio in 1992, Bangladesh has been taking action in the environmental front, because environmental threat is so serious in this country.

8 Sustainable Development covers three different fronts: economic, social and environmental. Sustainable Development raises cross-cutting issues which are of concern to various sectors of human interest. Bangladesh has, therefore, incorporated environmental concerns in its total plan- ning process. Bangladesh is doing reasonably well in the area of economic Development and presently it has been withstanding global economic crisis with considerable success. But, there is no denying the fact that there are serious challenges in the economic front for this country. Endemic poverty is the most serious problem in this country.

9 Controlling population growth is another serious problem. Illiteracy and good governance are also crucial issues. Yes, in recent times, in social and human Development we made good strides. Empowerment of women progressed rapidly. Income inequality is also being reduced fast. In Rio de Janeiro this year more than a hundred Heads of State and Government are assembling to move forward Sustainable Development in our globe. Twenty years ago, such a summit in Rio adopted Agenda 21. This time a much broader agenda requires to be ironed out and adopted. Millen- nium Development Goals (MDGs) certainly created hope and confidence among the developing countries.

10 Rio+20 has to look beyond the MDGs. IV. Bangladesh expects to achieve most MDGs on lime, , by 2015. It looks forward to better times in the coming years. It has to find gainful employment for its vast Labor force. It has to improve its living style by inculcating its core values and enriching its culture and history. It has to expand its productive capacities. It has to enhance the quality of its human resources. It has to protect its territory from the ravages of rise in sea water level and pollution of the atmosphere. Green develop- ment within its own territory does not guarantee the country a happy future.