Role of Government Institutions in Promoting Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: An Environmental Governance Perspective

This research examines the complex relationship between environmental governance, sustainable development, and the role of government institutions in Bangladesh. The study extensively examines the evolution of environmental governance, focusing on the establishment and functions of key institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Department of Environment, the Department of Forest, the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the Forest Research Institute, etc. Relying solely on secondary sources, the methodology involved a comprehensive review and analysis of scholarly literature, policy documents, and reports to explore the nation's environmental trajectory. The findings underscore the commendable socio-economic progress achieved by Bangladesh compared to pressing environmental challenges. Rising carbon emissions, limited forest coverage, water resource mismanagement, and threats to biodiversity underscore the urgency for balanced and sustainable development. Government institutions, through policy formulation, implementation, research, and conservation efforts, play pivotal roles in addressing these challenges. However, the research highlights the imperative for a paradigm shift, emphasizing the need to integrate environmental considerations into development policies comprehensively. Bridging the gap between economic growth and environmental sustainability requires concerted efforts, policy reforms, and public engagement. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of government institutions, collaborative efforts, and policy reforms in leading the nation towards a more sustainable future.


INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh, a country in South Asia that is located at the confluence of several major rivers, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which presents a complex web of environmental challenges (Islam et al., 2021).To handle these issues holistically, the nation's environmental governance system has experienced substantial evolution.Bangladesh's geographical position, in the delta of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system, exposes it to ongoing challenges such as flooding, riverbank erosion, and complex water management issues (Adnan, 2020).A new dimension of ecological relevance is added by the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world, which emphasizes the need to protect natural ecosystems despite an increase in human interventions (Mahmood et al., 2021).According to Rahman and Alam (2021), there is a correlation between the accelerated rate of urbanization, growing industrialization, and intensive agricultural methods, and the deterioration of the environment.Deforestation, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and soil degradation have become

ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH
The framework, procedures, and organizations in charge of overseeing and controlling environmental matters are referred to as environmental governance (Haque et al., 2023b;Haque, 2013).It includes the intricate interactions between governmental and non-governmental players, as well as the policies and procedures designed to solve environmental issues.The idea places a strong emphasis on inclusiveness, transparency, and cooperative decision-making when it comes to protecting the environment and managing natural resources.To achieve sustainable environmental results, effective environmental governance requires multidimensional approaches that include institutional structures, stakeholder involvement, public participation, and legislative frameworks (Haque et al., 2023b;Haque et al., 2022a).
According to the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development, addressing current societal requirements shouldn't come at the expense of future generations' capacity to address their own needs (Borowy, 2013).It represents an all-encompassing strategy that balances social progress, environmental preservation, and economic expansion.By highlighting the connection between social justice, economic advancement, and environmental preservation, sustainable development aims to strike a balance between development and conservation (Borowy, 2013).To maintain intergenerational justice and ecological resilience, this notion promotes responsible resource consumption, equitable benefit distribution, and the incorporation of environmental factors into policies.
The confluence of sustainable development and environmental governance highlights the crucial connection between the pursuit of sustainable outcomes and efficient governance frameworks (Haque et al., 2022a).When it comes to converting sustainable development objectives into workable policies and procedures, environmental governance frameworks are essential.They enable the incorporation of sustainability ideas into decision-making procedures, guaranteeing that developmental endeavors are in harmony with the imperatives of environmental conservation.Furthermore, strong environmental governance frameworks promote policy consistency between the social, economic, and environmental domains, which helps achieve sustainable development (Ahmed, 2019).
Sustainable development is based on environmental governance, which is necessary to protect the environment and ensure resource use in a balanced manner (Lima, 2021).Since gaining independence, Bangladesh has actively participated in international environmental conventions and treaties and has achieved progress in tackling environmental issues.An important first step toward integrated environmental management was the creation of the Ministry of Environment andForests in 1989 (Farooque, 2004).To preserve ecological balance in the face of development initiatives, the nation subsequently created a national conservation plan, developed an environment policy, introduced the Environment Conservation Act (1995), and reorganized the Department of Environment (Hassan, 2015).
Bangladesh has made economic progress, but it still faces environmental problems.Due to issues with biodiversity, water resources, air quality, and other environmental aspects, the nation's Environmental Performance Index (EPI) was graded poorly (Bhandari, 2013).Environmental deterioration has resulted from economic growth (Ghosh et al., 2014).The environmental sustainability of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remained elusive, despite significant progress being made in the areas of poverty, education, and healthcare.There was a rise in carbon emissions, limited forest cover, inadequate conservation of water resources, and endangered wildlife.
There is an urgent need for Bangladesh to make a concentrated effort toward ecologically sustainable development in light of this gap between economic growth and environmental sustainability.While the nation has made progress in meeting some of the MDGs, more has to be done to protect the environment.As a reflection of the complex interplay between the economic, social, and environmental aspects of progress, sustainable development necessitates both environmental conservation and economic growth.
Bangladesh has struggled to attain environmental sustainability despite its remarkable accomplishments in meeting certain MDGs, such as those pertaining to healthcare, education, and poverty reduction (Ashraf et al., 2019).The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) rankings, which emphasize worries about air quality, water resources, biodiversity, and other environmental indicators, show an emphasis on economic expansion over environmental preservation.
Although the government's emphasis on economic development is crucial for raising living conditions, it has unintentionally negatively affected the environment.There are more carbon emissions, less forest cover, challenges in managing water resources, and threats to the extinction of various wildlife species.The discrepancy between environmental preservation and economic advancement highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development.
Bangladesh has achieved several of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but a more comprehensive strategy incorporating environmental sustainability into development goals is still required.To maintain long-term sustainability, this necessitates coordinating environmental conservation initiatives with economic growth.Sustainable growth necessitates protecting the environment, cutting carbon emissions, increasing the amount of forest cover, and enhancing the management of water resources.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Government Institutions in Bangladesh's Environmental Governance
In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the primary government body responsible for developing policies, plans, and directives to tackle environmental issues and advance sustainable development (Rahman, 2021;Haque, 2013).At the national level, the MoEFCC is essential in organizing and supervising programs related to environmental management, forest conservation, and climate change adaptation.In order to include environmental issues in more comprehensive development objectives, it promotes inter-ministerial coordination and establishes the standard for environmental policymaking (Haque, 2020).In addition, the MoEFCC works with donors and international organizations to get funding and technical know-how for carrying out environmental projects.In order to evaluate the success of environmental policies and projects and offer evidence-based suggestions for future interventions, it also carries out research and monitoring operations.Bangladesh's development must be sustainable and environmentally responsible, and the MoEFCC is essential to achieving this goal with its all-encompassing strategy and capable leadership.

NEC, ECNEC
The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), officially established in 1989, is the primary government organization in Bangladesh tasked with overseeing forestry and environmental programs nationwide (Rahman, 2021).Planning, organizing, and carrying out programs for sustainable forestry and environmental preservation are all part of its responsibility.In order to protect Bangladesh's environment and forest resources, this ministry is essential to the development and implementation of policies and programs (Khan, 2009;Hossain & Haque, 2023).Especially noteworthy is the MOEF's extensive collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to coordinate national efforts with international environmental programs.The Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Forests (DOF) are the two main departments that make up the MOEF.These departments play a vital role in a number of important initiatives related to pollution prevention, forest preservation, sustainable development of forest resources, and environmental management (Mahfuj & Alom, 2021).Within the MOEF, the DOE is responsible for overseeing environmental management, enforcing pollution control policies, and leading campaigns to protect the nation's ecological balance (Rahman, 2021).In order to prevent deforestation and maintain sustainable forestry practices, the DOF simultaneously focuses on forest conservation, managing forest resources, and planning tree planting initiatives.The Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC), Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI), and Bangladesh National Herbarium (BNH) are three important organizations that fall under the purview of the MOEF's organizational structure.These organizations, which fall under the MOEF's jurisdiction, provide significant contributions to the study, creation, and use of forestry and environmental conservation techniques.While the BFRI conducts research and offers training programs to promote innovation and knowledge enhancement in forestry practices, the BFIDC is involved in industrial development related to forests.The BNH is an organization under the MOEF's jurisdiction that is dedicated to recording and conserving the country's botanical legacy.Through its departments and affiliated organizations, the MOEF contributes significantly to the creation of policies, the monitoring of regulations, research, and capacity building.The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) is a key player in promoting sustainable environmental practices and responsible forestry management in Bangladesh.It does this by actively participating in environmental management, pollution control, forest conservation, and research programs (Rahman, 2021;Mahfuj & Alom, 2021).
In Bangladesh, the Department of Environment (DOE) was founded in 1977 and functions under the Ministry of Agriculture (Alam et al., 2021).Since then, it has played a significant role in environmental regulation and conservation (Momtaz, 2002).After the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) was established in 1989, the DOE came under its responsibility and functioned as its technical branch.Assuring environmental conservation, increasing environmental standards, and reducing pollution levels are the DOE's main goals (Alam et al., 2021).The DOE's mission has broadened over time with the goal of making a substantial contribution to the sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity, water, and land (Mahfuj & Alom, 2021;Momtaz, 2002).It also aims to promote cooperation between many parties concerned with environmental issues, such as citizens, NGOs, businesses, and public sector agencies.Under the direction of the Director-General, the DOE operates through six divisional offices and a head office.Its operations fall into two main categories: technical functions and administration, planning, and development.Essential to enforcement efforts, the divisional offices oversee the environment on a regional scale and carry out laboratory analyses to assist with environmental management.The DOE carries out a number of vital tasks to carry out its purpose.It conducts policy analysis, offering guidance to the government on policy analysis and providing inputs for the formulation of environmental policies across sectors (Khan, 2009).To guarantee efficient planning and execution, it also creates five-year development plans, assesses the status of project implementation, and plans programs.Monitoring and evaluation, which include regular assessments and reporting on the status of project implementation, are essential DOE tasks.The DOE, which is the technical branch of the MOEF, is essential to the development, planning, coordination, and assessment of policies related to environmental governance in Bangladesh.Its diverse duties include policy analysis, planning, coordination, and evaluation-all of which are essential for promoting environmentally friendly behaviors and policies throughout the nation.
Bangladesh's Department of Forests (DOF) has a long history dating back to the British colonization of the Indian subcontinent in 1876.The management and conservation of forest resources have always been at the center of the DOF's duties (Rahman et al., 2018).It covers a wide range of duties, such as managing and conserving biodiversity, safeguarding watersheds, and ensuring that the nation's development is both ecologically and economically balanced (Rahman et al., 2018).The conservation and sustainable management of Bangladesh's forest resources are essential to the DOF's work.By preserving the varied flora and fauna, these initiatives hope to preserve important ecosystems found in the country's forests.The DOF is in charge of implementing policies that protect vital watersheds, preserve biodiversity, and advance national socioeconomic growth while maintaining ecological sustainability (Khan, 2009).In order to prevent the loss of forest cover, the DOF is also vital in promoting afforestation projects, fostering replanting, and fighting deforestation.These initiatives seek to slow down the deterioration of the ecosystem, increase climate resilience, and guarantee that forest resources are used sustainably for both current and future generations.However, the DOF plays a major role in promoting a sustainable environment in Bangladesh through the preservation and sustainable management of forest resources.
The Ministry of Water Resources oversees the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), which is charged with important duties relating to managing Bangladesh's water resources and addressing a range of water-related issues (Shaibur et al., 2017;Hossain et al., 2023b).Its main responsibilities include drainage, flood management, and irrigation project implementation-all of which are essential for increasing agricultural production and assisting the fishing industry (Shaibur et al., 2017;Quassem, 2001).The BWDB works to improve agricultural productivity, guarantee water supply, and lessen the negative effects of flooding and waterlogging on the nation (Shaibur et al., 2017).The BWDB Act of 2000, which requires that the organization's operations follow the criteria outlined in the National Water Policy and the National Water Management Plan, is closely aligned with the BWDB's actions (Alam & Quevauviller, 2014).These policy frameworks offer a thorough road map for managing water resources, with a focus on equitable distribution, sustainable use, and effective management of water resources to satisfy various demands from various industries.The BWDB is essential to managing and reducing the effects of flooding, which is a persistent problem in Bangladesh, through its flood control programs.Flood protection infrastructure, including sluice gates, drainage systems, and embankments, is built and maintained by the BWDB in order to prevent flooding and save millions of people who live in locations that are vulnerable to flooding.The BWDB also undertakes drainage projects to lessen waterlogging, especially in areas that are low-lying (Alam & Quevauviller, 2014).To promote sustainable development in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) is essentially a key organization charged with overseeing water resources, carrying out flood control measures, putting irrigation projects into action, and resolving water-related issues.
As the highest authority in Bangladesh's water sector, the Water Resource Planning Organization (WARPO), housed within the Ministry of Water Resources, plays a crucial role (Alam, 2014;Hossain et al., 2023b;Hossain & Haque, 2023).As a multidisciplinary organization, WARPO acts as a clearinghouse for all water-related projects carried out by different water sector authorities (Alam, 2014).Beyond execution, it is essential to the coordination, synthesis, and harmonization of various water-related national projects (Hossain & Bahauddin, 2013).In Bangladesh, a number of other organizations play important roles in the landscape of environmental management and governance in addition to the ones mentioned above.Various research institutions under different ministries, including Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Commerce, Environment, and Forests, work in tandem with ministries like Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and Livestock, Power, Industries, Energy, and Mineral Resources to actively engage in research initiatives addressing diverse aspects of the environment.Due to its multidisciplinary approach, WARPO is in a unique position to facilitate the coordination of water-related initiatives across multiple ministries and organizations.WARPO acts as a clearinghouse for projects related to the water sector, which promotes cooperation, reduces duplication, and increases the collaboration between various organizations involved in water resource management (Alam, 2014).This all-encompassing strategy guarantees consistency and efficient use of resources, supporting the sustainable use and administration of water resources throughout Bangladesh.Their concerted efforts and research projects support the creation of all-encompassing plans and regulations for environmentally sustainable management.Overall, comprehensive environmental governance in Bangladesh is largely a result of the cooperative efforts of numerous ministries and research institutions, even if the WARPO is the highest authority in the water sector.
The Institute for Forest Research in Bangladesh (BFRI) Founded in 1955, the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) is a key agency entrusted with giving the forestry sub-sector and its affiliated institutions vital research support.Its mandate includes providing research support to the DOF as well as to relevant private companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and organizations such as the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC).In order to promote sustainable practices in the forestry industry, BFRI is a key player in research projects.Developing and introducing suitable technologies that support the sustainable productivity of wooded areas and industries without contributing to resource depletion is the major objective of BFRI's research projects.By placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, BFRI demonstrates its dedication to striking a balance between the use of forest resources and their preservation, protecting the ecological balance, and addressing the socioeconomic demands of the country at the same time.Enhancing forest management practices, encouraging afforestation and reforestation methods, and improving the environmentally sustainable use of forest resources are the goals of these research projects.Essentially, the BFRI serves as an important center for research in the forestry industry.Its dedication to carrying out studies that support sustainable forest productivity and resource management makes a substantial contribution to Bangladesh's sustainable use of forestlands and industries, guaranteeing a careful balance between resource use and conservation.
At the national level, the local government division (LGD) of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives is in charge of promoting the water supply and sanitation sectors.They are responsible for formulating, supervising, and implementing policies and plans on water supply and sanitation (Marks et al., 2020).They also play a significant role in providing technical assistance to local government bodies and providing oversight to ensure that they are able to implement effective and efficient water supply and sanitation services.In Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Gazipur, and other significant urban centers, water supply and sewerage agencies are working to ensure clean water and sanitation (Hossain et al., 2023a;Hossain et al., 2023b).Other urban areas entrust the maintenance of the water supply to city corporations or municipalities, which are also permitted to impose fees to cover the costs of operation and maintenance.
The Department of Public Health Engineering also works in conjunction with non-governmental organizations to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation facilities in rural areas.The union of water supply and sanitation committees, which is made up of representatives from the Department of Public Health Engineering and local leaders, is in charge of promoting environmental sanitation, educating citizens about standards of hygiene, and approving the development plan for tube wells.In response to these governmental bodies, the corporate sector and non-governmental organizations also contribute to water services.Additionally, the corporate sector may provide technical and financial assistance to both rural and urban areas, while non-governmental organizations focus on the improvement of water services for disadvantaged communities.We can conclude that the Department of Public Health Engineering, together with the government agencies, city corporations, and municipalities, as well as non-governmental organizations and local leaders from various communities, are all playing an important role in providing equitable access to safe water and sanitation facilities throughout Bangladesh.
The National Water Resources Council (NWRC) is the top national organization in charge of formulating water policy, including cooperation among agencies, and is tasked with advising the Cabinet on matters related to water policy.The NWRC organizes national water resource management initiatives (Sugam et al., 2023).In order to promote effective water policy, the NWRC also fosters cooperation between state and local agencies.This cooperation between agencies allows for a more cohesive approach to water management and policy, which can ultimately benefit the public.
A department of the People's Republic of Bangladesh's government is the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR).MoWR is the executive authority in charge of developing and managing the water sector.This includes increasing the amount of irrigated land, conserving water, using surface and groundwater, and managing rivers (Gain et al., 2017).The task of creating a framework for institutional reforms to direct water-related operations has been given to MoWR.In order to ensure an efficient use of the country's water resources, the Ministry of Water Resources focuses on developing and utilizing multiple sources of water.These include both surface and groundwater, rainwater harvesting, desalination of water from brackish sources, and recharging groundwater through various artificial means.The Ministry of Water Resources has implemented several measures to ensure an effective utilization of the available water resources.These measures include the conservation and management of water resources through effective regulatory and institutional mechanisms, the development of strategies for reducing non-revenue water losses, the implementation of policies to reduce wastage and encourage efficient use of available water resources, and active public promotion.

Examination of Institutional Frameworks and Policies for Sustainable Development
The integration of environmental issues into national development strategies is at the core of Bangladesh's sustainable development policies and institutional frameworks.A keystone that offers a thorough framework for environmental governance and sustainable development is the National Environmental Policy (NEP).The NEP, which was implemented in 1992 and updated in 2017, provides guidelines for incorporating environmental factors into all areas of development with the goal of striking a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth (Khan, 2009).In order to achieve long-term sustainability, it highlights the necessity of waste management, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and sustainable resource exploitation (Hossain et al., 2023c).
The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) further demonstrates Bangladesh's dedication to combating climate change (Bhandari, 2013).This 2009-created and laterrevised strategic plan describes adaptation and mitigation strategies to counteract the negative effects of climate change.The BCCSAP highlights adaptation measures to safeguard vulnerable communities and ecosystems by identifying key areas such as agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster management.
The Department of Environment (DOE) is a key player in the regulatory systems that support the institutional framework.Environmental regulations are formulated, environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are carried out, and environmental standard compliance is tracked by the DOE.The DOE guarantees that development projects follow environmental standards, promoting sustainable development practices, through the Environmental Conservation Rules and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines.
Furthermore, protecting Bangladesh's rich biodiversity is a major goal of the country's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).The NBSAP provides techniques for equitable benefitsharing, sustainable biological resource use, and biodiversity conservation.In order to secure the sustainability of biodiversity, it highlights how crucial it is to maintain ecosystems, safeguard endangered species, and support community-based conservation efforts.
Furthermore, by implementing regionally specific policies and action plans, local government organizations actively support sustainable development.Urban planning, sanitation, and waste management are the main topics of policies developed by city corporations, municipalities, and union councils to handle regional environmental issues (Hossain et al., 2024).These programs complement national policies and facilitate the grassroots implementation of sustainable development goals.
In conclusion, the NEP, BCCSAP, NBSAP, and regulatory frameworks under DOE supervision serve as the focal points of Bangladesh's institutional frameworks and policies for sustainable development.These frameworks stress how environmental issues should be integrated into national development agendas, emphasizing the role that sustainability plays in localized developmental projects, economic growth, biodiversity protection, and climate change adaption.

Analysis of Policy Implementation and Effectiveness
The examination of policy implementation within the framework of environmental governance in Bangladesh reveals a heterogeneous landscape marked by both achievements and obstacles.The nation has put in place extensive policy frameworks, such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), and National Environmental Policy (NEP), but there are a number of obstacles that must be overcome before these policies can be effectively implemented.Converting policy goals into concrete actions on the ground is one of the major challenges.The effective implementation of environmental regulations is impeded by problems pertaining to insufficient institutional capacity, scarce resources, and inadequate technical skills, even in the presence of explicit policy mandates.When policies are not implemented promptly, intended environmental goals may not be effectively realized, leading to less-than-ideal consequences.Furthermore, governmental bodies' lack of cooperation makes policy execution less effective.The abundance of organizations engaged in environmental governance, including local government institutions, the Department of Environment (DOE), and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), frequently results in conflicting mandates and coordination issues.The overall efficacy of environmental policies can be impacted by this lack of institutional synergy, which can lead to contradictory tactics, delays in decision-making, and inefficiencies in resource allocation.
Moreover, there are practical issues with the enforcement procedures intended to guarantee adherence to environmental legislation.There are rules and regulations that the DOE is in charge of enforcing, yet problems with oversight, monitoring, and disciplining infractions still arise.Limitations in human resources, inadequate technology infrastructure, and challenges in monitoring and sanctioning non-compliant sectors or projects are some of the challenges faced by enforcement operations.Because of this, it is still difficult to comply with environmental requirements, which undermines the purpose of regulations.
Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, there are examples of successful policy implementation in regional programs and neighborhood-based conservation activities.Partnership initiatives amongst local communities, NGOs, and government agencies provide effective examples of sustainable development and environmental preservation.Community-based programs like waste management, biodiversity protection, and afforestation emphasize the value of grassroots engagement and participatory approaches in accomplishing environmental objectives.These fruitful initiatives highlight the possibility of implementing policies in an inclusive and community-driven manner with great effectiveness.
In conclusion, Bangladesh has created extensive environmental policies, yet there are still issues with their successful execution.Significant obstacles include those pertaining to resource limitations, inter-organizational collaboration, enforcement mechanisms, and the conversion of policies into implementable measures.Successful localized efforts, however, highlight the possibility of communitydriven strategies for attaining environmental sustainability and highlight the significance of participatory models in the application of policy.

CONCLUSION
Bangladesh has made significant progress in socioeconomic areas along its development journey, but it still faces difficulties with regard to environmental sustainability.
An important milestone in integrated environmental governance was the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1989.The goal of later legislative frameworks, national plans, and policy initiatives was to balance ecological protection and development.Nevertheless, the nation still faces formidable environmental obstacles in spite of admirable progress toward achieving a number of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
It is urgent to address the conflict between environmental sustainability and economic advancement.Low scores in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) show that environmental degradation has accompanied economic growth.The need for a balanced approach to development is made clear by factors such as growing carbon emissions, shrinking forest cover, improper management of water resources, and threats to biodiversity.
The study outlined the various functions of government agencies, including the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Forest Research Institute, and National Herbarium, as well as departments of the environment, forests, and ministry of environment and forests.These organizations are essential to the development, execution, study, and conservation of environmental policies that promote environmental sustainability.
The discrepancy between environmental protection and economic growth highlights the need for a paradigm shift.It is essential that development objectives and policies incorporate environmental considerations.A balanced and sustainable future depends on coordinated efforts to address environmental deterioration, improve conservation measures, and promote sustainable behaviors across sectors.
To sum up, Bangladesh's path to sustainable development demands an all-encompassing strategy that combines environmental preservation with economic advancement.The results highlight the importance of government agencies, regulations, and cooperative initiatives in tackling environmental issues and guiding the country toward a more sustainable course.

Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Legal Framework of Environmental Governance in Bangladesh