The document discusses the history and goals of the environmental justice movement. It began in the US in the late 1960s when Martin Luther King Jr advocated for striking garbage workers facing unfair working conditions. The EPA defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of attributes like race in environmental policy. It aims to give all people equal protection from hazards and decision making power over their environment. The document also discusses how environmental justice applies in Bangladesh through demands like food/water security, participation rights, and protections from disasters, pollution, and loss of resources.

1. Understanding
Environmental Justice
Preeti Kana Sikder
Assistant Professor
Department of Law and Justice
Jahangirnagar University

2. The History behind the Movement
The first time African Americans
had mobilized a national, broad-
based group to oppose what they
considered environmental
injustices. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. investigated an
environmental injustice incident
and advocated for better working
conditions and pay for striking
Memphis, Tennessee, garbage
workers.

3. Environment Protection Agency
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people
regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development,
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:
 the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and
 equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which
to live, learn, and work.

4. Environmental Burdens and Facilities
MAKING PROFOUND
CHANGES TO ENHANCE
THE QUALITY OF LIFE
PROVIDING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
BROAD BASED
COALITIONS
MAKING CONNECTION
BETWEEN
ENVIRONMENTAL AND
SOCIAL ISSUES

5. Link the Society and
Legal System
If the environmental laws are to be transformed into
the notion of justice

6. Environmental Justice
In the Context of Bangladesh
PROTECTION AGAINST
natural disasters
Degradation of natural resource base
Rapid and unplanned urbanisation
Pollution
Shrinking of farm land and potable
water supply
Loss of biodiversity
Protection of Cultural Heritage
DEMANDS
 Food security
 Water security
 Energy security
 Health security
 Security for livelihood
 Right to participate
 Right to information
 Judicial and Administrative Relief

7. Improving
Environmental
Justice
ECT Best Practices (Chapter 4)

8. Design Stage
Independence & Flexibility
Non-law Decision Makers
Comprehensive
Jurisdiction
Evaluation
Procedure
Standing
ADR
Remedies
Enforcement
Power

9. Operating Stage
Public Outreach
User friendly
Case
Management
Services
Management of
Experts
Cost Control
Commitment to
Continuous
Improvement
Professional
Development

13. Suo Moto Rule by the HCD
Articlel titled ‘No Plan
to Demolish
unauthorised BGMEA
Building Soon’ was
published

14. BGMEA v Bangladesh
22 BLC (AD) (2017)

15. Chronology of Events
 Government of Bangladesh initiated Hatirjheel
Begunbari Project for conservation of wetland in
specified area and its development
In 2010, HCD passed a Suo Moto Rule (Rule no 19 of
2010)
 On 3/4/2011, that rule was made absolute through
passing of a judgment and order
 This judgment as passed on 2/6/2016 is given regarding
a civil petition for leave to appeal against such judgment
and order

16. The Conservation of Play Ground, Open
Place, Park and Natural Wetland in
Metropolitan City, Divisional Town and
Municipal Area of District town including
all Municipal Area Act, 2000
Act No. 36 of 2000

17. Bangladesh
Environment
Conservation Act, 1995