JKKNIUJSS

MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT OF BANGLADESH: A LEGAL CRITIQUE

Authors
Keywords:
Microplastic, Aquatic Environment, Legal Gaps, Bangladesh
Abstract

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh. Microplastics are thought to pose a major risk for aquatic ecosystems (i.e inland water bodies and marine ecosystem). Concern has been extremely raised by the microplastics contamination of marine habitats and inland water bodies. Microplastics from untreated industrial waste disposal, household plastic trash, sewage sludge, soil accumulation, shipbreaking plastic debris, fishing nets, and other sources are present in the inland and marine habitats of Bangladesh. The study determines the overall risk of microplastic contamination in the aquatic ecosystems of Bangladesh. The study identifies institutional shortcomings and gaps in national and international legislation to address the microplastics contamination. The study recommends implementing a ‘Good-Faith Cooperation’ strategy among the neighbouring coastal states to control micoplastics pollution in the Bay of Bengal as the contamination in the marine ecosystem is transboundary in nature. To curb marine microplastics pollution, strict adherence to a number of international laws, such as UNCLOS, MARPOL, Annex V of MARPOL is required by Bangladesh. Furthermore, it is suggested to modify the existing domestic legal mechanisms such as precautionary measures should be preferred to remedial measures in order to address the irreparable loss caused by microplastics in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh. Comprehensive rules on ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ should be implemented in order to hold plastics manufacturers accountable. Sanctions based legislations alone are not adequate to deal with the issues. The Government of Bangladesh should offer fiscal incentives for the installation of effluent treatment plant to dispose of industrial plastic waste water that later fragments into microplastics. Doctrinal method is followed to develop the theoretical premise of legal implications of microplastics in the aquatic eco-systems. The scope of the study is inland water bodies and marine habitats of Bangladesh.

Author Biographies
  1. Tanvir Hasan

    Advocate, Rajbari District Bar.

  2. Md. Suton ali

    Lecturer, Department of Law, 

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04/19/2026
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Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): JKKNIU Journal of Social Sciences
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