Policing green crime in Bangladesh: challenges for law enforcement, environmental agencies and society

Policing green crime has emerged as a significant concern in the Global south, and this is also the case in Bangladesh. Drawing on green and southern criminology, this exploratory study adopts a qualitative approach to examine the challenges faced by environmental agencies, the Bangladesh Police, and society in addressing green crime. The research incorporates 36 semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, including the Department of Environment (DoE), the Bangladesh Police, the Wildlife Crime Control Unit, judicial and prosecutorial representatives from the environmental court, environmental journalists, development practitioners, researchers, NGOs, voluntary organisations, and civil society. Using a snowball sampling technique, the study engages with the study population through both digital platforms during COVID-19 restrictions and face-to-face interviews conducted during field visits. The study aims to achieve three primary objectives: 1) to evaluate the current state of policing and law enforcement strategies for addressing green crime in Bangladesh by analysing existing literature and data obtained from participants during data collection, focusing on the extent and types of green crime prevalent in the country; 2) to investigate the obstacles encountered by law enforcement agencies and environmental organisations in preventing and detecting green crime in Bangladesh; 3) to develop practical, evidence-based strategies and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of green crime policing in Bangladesh and promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices within society. To address these objectives, the study explores three specific research questions. a) What strategies are currently employed by law enforcement and environmental agencies to mitigate green crime in Bangladesh? b) What challenges do they face when policing green crime in Bangladesh? c) What measures can be implemented to overcome the challenges encountered by them when promoting effective green crime policing and fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly society in Bangladesh? The findings reveal that the Department of Environment (DoE) enforces environmental laws through mobile court operations and investigative procedures, imposing fines as appropriate. The Bangladesh Police and other law enforcement agencies play a supportive role by conducting special operations, investigations, patrolling, surveillance, community engagement through community policing/beat policing, and social awareness programmes. However, the study identifies challenges faced by environmental and law enforcement agencies, including a weak institutional framework, limited mass awareness, and political corruption resulting from a lack of political will. In light of these challenges, the study recommends: the establishment of a robust institutional framework; the creation of a specialised environmental police unit to facilitate effective collaboration; a strengthened political commitment; the active involvement of mainstream media and social media platforms; and the implementation of eco-friendly educational systems to cultivate environmentally conscious citizens.