Press Release
Dhaka, 30 August 2026: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the initiative to fill the sand dunes at Sugandha-Kolatoli Beach, an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in Cox’s Bazar, to construct a road and town protection embankment. Meanwhile, the organisation has called for reconsideration of the Bangladesh-Japan joint initiative in implementing the project, which is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with due compliance with JICA’s own guidelines, Environmental and Social Considerations, as well as Japan’s national and international commitments to climate and biodiversity conservation.
In a statement issued today referring to reports published in the media, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The need for development infrastructure is undeniable. However, the project carries significant potential risks of damaging natural sand dunes, coastal vegetation, and biodiversity; disrupting natural drainage systems; and undermining long-term coastal climate resilience. Moreover, beach sand dunes and coastal vegetation are not merely environmental resources; they serve as natural protective barriers against storms, tidal surges, waves, and coastal erosion. Implementing a development project by disrupting the natural functioning of an important coastal ecosystem cannot, in any way, be considered consistent with sustainable development. Furthermore, in environmentally sensitive areas, it is essential to properly assess the project’s long-term climate and environmental risks before undertaking any infrastructure development. We call upon the relevant authorities to examine whether they have conducted such an assessment for the ongoing project.”
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Bangladesh’s coastal areas are facing increasing risks due to climate change. Any development project that destroys natural coastal ecosystems cannot ultimately serve the public interest or contribute to climate resilience in this sense. Consequently, it is anticipated that JICA, the project's financing agency, will also guaranty the adherence to and implementation of the project's environmental and social safeguard policies. Moreover, JICA’s own guidelines emphasise avoiding or minimising potential environmental and social harm associated with projects to the greatest extent possible, considering alternatives, conducting environmental impact assessments and disclosing relevant information, and ensuring meaningful participation of relevant stakeholders. Therefore, before implementing a project in an environmentally sensitive area such as the Sugandha-Kolatoli sand dunes, JICA and the relevant authorities must transparently ensure whether these safeguards have been duly followed.”
The TIB Executive Director said, “The issue extends beyond the environmental impacts of a single infrastructure project; it also raises questions about its consistency and the respect for the international commitments made by both Japan and Bangladesh on climate and biodiversity. Both countries are parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and have committed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). In addition, Japan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan identifies the establishment of a ‘nature-positive’ economy-based society by 2030 as one of its key objectives. Japan has also committed to aligning its development cooperation with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, JICA’s Environmental Policy and Sustainability Policy state that project implementation should be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Against this backdrop, the implementation of the project raises serious questions about how the commitments of the Government of Japan and JICA are being translated into practice. Their credibility in addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity ultimately depends on the tangible application of these policies at the project level.”
In this context, TIB calls upon JICA and the Government of Japan to ensure consistency with their own environmental safeguard policies, publicly disclose clear information on the project’s environmental and social impacts, and undertake an independent and impartial environmental and technical review of the project. At the same time, TIB calls for reconsideration of the project and urges the adoption of a credible environmental rehabilitation and restoration plan, including the restoration of beach sand dunes and local coastal vegetation, if any environmental damage has already occurred at the project site.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
