Dhaka, Jan. 15 -- The government has promulgated 'Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance, 2026' as part of its tough stance to protect the country's ecological balance and conserve haors and wetlands.

The new ordinance strengthens the Haor and Wetland Development Directorate and introduces tough punishment, including imprisonment and heavy fines for encroachment, land filling and environmental damage in haor and wetland areas.

Under the law, the directorate has been given clearly defined responsibilities.

Based on lists prepared by deputy commissioners, the government will publish a final gazette of haors and wetlands.

A master plan will be prepared to ensure protection and integrated management of wetlands and obtaining t...