The recent report from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) presents a matter of grave concern that country has lost 3.75 percent of its agricultural land between 2015 and 2023, mainly due to unregulated urbanisation. This alarming trend poses a serious threat to the nation's food production and food security.
The survey, for the first time in such comprehensive detail, also highlighted critical environmental challenges. Natural forest cover has declined by 5.41 percent during the same period. Although this was partially offset by a 27.36 percent increase in planted forests (mainly social plantations), the loss of natural ecosystems remains a troubling issue.
Earlier, the 2019 Agricultural Census revealed that the country loses approximately 80,000 hectares of arable land every year. Much of this land is being converted into residential, industrial, and commercial use—often right under the authorities’ noses. Croplands are being indiscriminately filled to construct houses, roads, high-rise buildings, factories, hotels, resorts and other establishments.
The expansion of brick kilns is another major factor contributing to the destruction of arable land and environmental degradation. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the total cultivable land in 1982-83 was 9.15 million hectares. By 2017-18, it had decreased to 8.02 million hectares.
Over the last 50 years, more than one million hectares of cultivable land have been lost—many of them high-yield, triple-cropped plots. If this destructive trend continues, Bangladesh will face an acute food crisis in the near future.
Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and farmers play an important role in sustaining the nation by ensuring a stable food supply. Despite various government initiatives, use of non-agricultural land continues to rise.
Over the last 50 years, more than
one million hectares of cultivable
land have been lost—many of them
high-yield, triple-cropped plots
While Bangladesh is on the path to becoming developed country, this progress will not be sustainable without adequate farmland to support food self-sufficiency. If arable land continues to shrink, the consequences could be catastrophic.
The proposed Agricultural Land (Appropriate Use and Conservation) Bill, presented in the Jatiya Sangsad last year during the rule of immediate past Awami League government, is a positive step toward preserving farmland. However, mere presentation is not enough. The bill must be urgently passed and implemented with strict enforcement to protect the country's agricultural foundation.
According to BBS, the total area of Bangladesh is 14.92 million hectares, of which only 8.82 million hectares (around 59 percent) are cultivable. Alarmingly, agricultural land is decreasing by about one percent annually—equivalent to roughly 200,000 acres. If this rate continues unchecked, agricultural land could eventually disappear entirely. Although agriculture now contributes around 11.5 percent to the national GDP, it engages nearly 40 percent of the workforce and is vital for ensuring food security. This sector cannot be sidelined.
The government must adopt an integrated strategy to protect the country’s arable lands immediately. It will have take step to limit the use of farmland for non-agricultural purposes.
Besides, the government will have to expand urban agriculture and align it with mainstream farming, establish and enforce land-use zoning regulations. The government will also have to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving agricultural land.
To ensure sustainable development and long-term food security, the government must act now. Protecting farmlands is not just an agricultural issue—it’s a national priority.
