8 Natural Resources in Bangladesh

Huge natural resource reserves in Bangladesh, a developing nation, are essential for economic growth and diversification.

The majority of these natural resources, including coral reefs, islands, evergreen flora, mangrove forests, and endangered species of fauna like Bengal tigers, have been preserved.

These resources are either renewable or non-renewable. Though much of these natural resources in Bangladesh are under serious threat, especially in the agricultural sector.

Bangladesh is a small country with a rapidly expanding population, which has put more strain on its natural resources—the main ones of which are covered below.

The most important things for a country are its natural resources and how they are managed. Geographically, Bangladesh occupies a larger portion of the Bengal basin’s natural resources.

Natural resources are a direct source of income for many states. Bangladesh is a small developing nation with a large population. There are two types of natural resources in Bangladesh: renewable and nonrenewable.

Renewable natural resources include energy, fish, forests, land, and water. Coal, petroleum, oil, natural gas, rocks, sand, and other nonrenewable natural resources are examples.

Top 8 Natural Resources in Bangladesh

The following are the top 8 natural resources in Bangladesh

1. Forest Resources

One of a country’s most valuable natural resources is its forest.

The forest supplies raw resources for industry, oxygen, wood, and a haven for animals and birds.

The northeastern and southeasterly areas of the nation are covered with evergreen highlands with untouched deciduous forests.

The Sundarbans is the largest forest reserve in the nation, accounting for about 40% of Bangladesh’s total forest cover.

In all, nearly 20% of the country’s land area is covered by forests.

Through the adoption of regulations, teaching the public about conservation measures, and implementing agroforestry strategies to increase food production while conserving trees, efforts are being undertaken to protect the forests from population pressure.

The Passur, Baen, Sundari, and Keora are valuable native tree species that can be found in Bangladeshi woodlands.

Bangladesh categorized the five zones that make up its forest into:

Sundarban forest
Chattogram hill tracts forest
Madhupur and Bhawal forest
Sylhet’s forest
Rangpur and Dinajpur Forest

2. Natural Gas

Bangladesh’s primary energy source is natural gas, which accounts for more than 70% of the nation’s commercial energy and was first mined in the 19th century.

With 26 gas fields generating over 2,700 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, it ranks as Asia’s seventh-largest natural gas producer.

In addition to producing oil, the nation also produces other natural resources like coal, gasoline, and lumber that serve as sources of energy for residential and industrial use.

Natural gas reserves are most at risk from exhaustion because, like many other natural resources, overexploitation causes it.

Additionally, loss and wastage arise from a shortage of qualified workers who can mine natural gas.

The government must obtain trained workers from mining firms in industrialized countries like the USA and Japan.

3. Minerals

There aren’t many minerals in this country. Here, only a small number of mineral resources have been identified, namely:

1. Limestone

In Sylhet, Sunamganj, Joypurhat, and Coxes Bazar districts, Bangladesh has limestone reserves. The primary ingredient of cement, glass, paper, soap, and a bleaching agent is limestone.

2. Coal

In the districts of Sylhet, Joypurhat, Rajshahi, Faridpur, and Dinajpur, there are coal reserves. Coal quality is inadequate, and coal extraction is highly difficult.

3. China Clay

The primary raw material for crockery and other hygienic products is china clay. Both Naogaon and Mymensing have reported finding it.

4. Silica

Glass, pigments, and chemical goods can all be made with silica sand. Reserves of silica sand can be found in the districts of Chattogram, Jamalpur, Sylhet, and Comilla.

4. Hard Rock

Both Rangpur and Dinajpur have been found to have hard rocks. It is employed in the development of highways, railroads, and embankments.

Along with those minerals, sulfur, mineral oil, and copper have also been discovered in Chattogram, Sylhet, and Rangpur.

5. Fisheries

The majority of Bangladesh’s fish production comes from ponds, rivers, and lakes, which make up the majority of the country’s inland and marine fisheries resources.

Numerous climatic factors support fishing practices, fish rearing, and the overall expansion of the fishing sector.

Based on the highest per capita income and culture, Bangladeshis are the biggest consumers of animal proteins made from fish, with 60% of their protein coming from fish suppliers.

Bangladesh produces more than 2.8 million tons of fish annually, making it one of the top producers in the inland fisheries.

The extensive rivers and inland water bodies, it has an abundance of prawns, lobsters, turtles, mollusks, and other fishery resources.

About 1.4 million Bangladeshi nationals have employment prospects in the fishing business, which boosts the country’s economy.

Additionally, fisheries support a generally nutrient-rich diet for the inhabitants as well as foreign exchange revenues.

6. Agronomic Resources

Agriculture is the main line of work for the majority of people in Bangladesh.

This nation has a large number of lush fields where various crops can be grown.

As a result of the deposition of several nutrient-rich alluvial soils following flooding, Bangladesh possesses some of the world’s most fertile soils.

The extended growing season and abundant rainfall in Bangladesh increase the fertility of its fields.

Thus, more wheat, maize, sugarcane, cotton, linseed, repressed mustard, rice, potatoes, jute, tea, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, silk, and other agricultural goods are produced.

One of the world’s top producers of jute, rice, and other agricultural goods in Bangladesh.

Approximately 63 percent of people depend on agriculture either directly or indirectly, and it contributes 14.10 percent of the country’s GDP.

Through a strong reliance on modern agriculture, the government has adopted sustainable agricultural land management.

7. Water Resources

Water is a special resource that is essential for life and the equilibrium of ecological processes in the environment.

Through greater and effective use of water, modern agricultural technology can increase agricultural production.

In Bangladesh, groundwater that is buried beneath impermeable rocks, stream flow, and rainfall are the main sources of water.

The hydrological cycle, which maintains a steady supply of water throughout all seasons, is greatly influenced by stormwater.

Stream flow water, which originates from large rivers like the Ganges, Meghna, and the Brahmaputra, is essential for maintaining the ecological, social, and cultural balance of the local population.

These sources deliver water for irrigation in agriculture, domestic and industrial use, fisheries, and navigable rivers and lakes for transportation, electrical generation, and recreation.

The government of Bangladesh has established research institutions and ministries to monitor the proper use, harvesting, and conservation of water resources.

Other initiatives include educating the public by raising awareness and participating in innovative programs that focus on the proper use of water.

8. Animal Resources

Bangladesh is blessed with a variety of animal and bird species thanks to the Almighty.

There are many domestic animals in Bangladesh, including cows, sheep, goats, ducks, and chickens. In the nearby woodlands, one can witness tigers, elephants, and deer.

List of all Natural Resources in Bangladesh

The following is a list of all the natural resources in Bangladesh

Sand
Silt
Clay
Natural Gas
Coal
Limestone
Hardrock
Gravel
Boulder
Glass Sand
Construction Sand
Brick clay
Peat
Beach Sand
Shales
sandstone
Limestone
Hard Rock
Chalcopyrite
Bornite
Chalcocite
Covelline
Galena
Sphalerite
Construction Sand
White Clay
Beach Sand
Brick Clay
Forest Resources
Fisheries
Agronomic Resources
Water Resources
Animal Resources

Conclusion

Natural resources are abundant in Bangladesh and have a significant impact on the country’s economic diversification.

Bangladesh faces the issue of maintaining the natural resources that are always in danger of exploitation, just like most other countries with abundant natural resources.

The government has therefore developed several programs to promote public engagement and awareness while also assisting in conservation.

Because Bangladesh’s economy depends so significantly on the availability of natural resources, every effort is made to preserve fisheries, forest cover, natural gas reserves, and water sources.

8 Natural Resources in Bangladesh – FAQs

What is Bangladesh's largest resource?

Despite being a small nation, Bangladesh is home to a variety of minerals, including natural gas, oil, coal, hard rock, limestone, white clay, glass sand, and mineral sand. The sole mineral good now making a substantial contribution to the national economy is natural gas.

Is Bangladesh poor in natural resources?

Natural resources are abundant in Bangladesh and have a significant impact on the country's economic diversification though Bangladesh faces the issue of maintaining the natural resources that are always in danger of exploitation, just like most other countries with abundant natural resources.

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Providence Amaechi

A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.