Bangladesh is facing a growing challenge in preserving its forest resources as the majority of households continue to rely on wood, straw, and firewood for cooking. This heavy dependence is not only accelerating deforestation but also posing serious health risks to millions of people.
According to the Population and Housing Census 2022 by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 59.31% of households — approximately 23.88 million families — use wood as their primary cooking fuel. This practice significantly contributes to indoor air pollution and environmental degradation.
The census reveals stark regional disparities: Barisal division has the highest dependence, at 85.10%, while Dhaka has the lowest, at 39.11%. Chittagong, Khulna, and Rangpur divisions also show high levels of wood usage, underscoring the urgent need for targeted policy interventions.
Experts caution that excessive wood use worsens indoor air pollution, raising the risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, particularly among women and children. They urge the government to scale up programs promoting improved stoves and alternative energy solutions, especially in rural areas, to ensure a sustainable transition away from traditional fuels.
A Stark Rural-Urban Divide in Energy Usage
The census data underscores a significant contrast between urban and rural energy consumption. In rural areas, 70.16% of households rely on wood for cooking, whereas urban areas have a far lower rate at 35.64%. This disparity highlights the limited access to alternative energy sources in the countryside.
Among divisions, Barisal stands out with the highest wood dependency at 85.10%, while Dhaka, being the most urbanized division, has the lowest at 39.11%. Chittagong, Khulna, and Rangpur also report high levels of reliance, making these regions particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation.
Despite the need for alternative energy sources, the census found that only 14.18% of households in Bangladesh use gas for cooking. This figure is heavily skewed toward urban areas (36.50%) compared to rural areas (3.95%). Piped gas remains largely unavailable outside cities, leaving rural households with limited clean energy options.
Environmental and Health Consequences
Experts warn that the widespread use of firewood is not only accelerating deforestation but also exacerbating climate change. The continuous destruction of forests to meet fuel demands depletes biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and contributes to carbon emissions.
In addition, the burning of wood releases harmful pollutants that cause indoor air pollution. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional stoves to chronic respiratory diseases, eye infections, and cardiovascular issues. Women and children, who spend more time near cooking fires, are at heightened risk.
Syed Mahbubul Alam, Secretary of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Movement (Poba), emphasized the urgency of reducing wood usage to protect both the environment and public health. He pointed out that while the government has introduced improved stove programs, their coverage remains limited. Alam suggests that these initiatives need significant expansion, with a particular focus on rural communities where alternatives like solar energy could be harnessed effectively.
Regional Disparities in Fuel Usage
The BBS census data highlights significant differences in fuel consumption across Bangladesh. Chittagong division has the highest number of households using wood for cooking, at 4.65 million. Other divisions with high dependency include Khulna (3.05 million), Rangpur (3.18 million), and Dhaka (4.37 million).
Although Barisal has fewer total households than these divisions, its exceptionally high percentage of firewood usage makes it one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of environmental degradation and public health risks.
The limited access to alternative fuels in these regions underscores the need for targeted interventions to expand energy access and reduce dependency on wood.
A Call for Policy Action
The findings from the Population and Housing Census 2022 highlight an urgent need for policy interventions to reshape Bangladesh’s energy consumption patterns.
Md. Dildar Hossain, Project Director of the 2021 Population and Housing Census, stressed the importance of data-driven policy decisions in facilitating the shift toward sustainable energy solutions. He emphasized that Bangladesh could benefit from studying global best practices in energy efficiency and clean cooking technologies to guide its transition.
M.A. Mannan, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Planning and former Planning Minister, noted that the census data is crucial for resource allocation, social welfare planning, and alternative energy programs. He emphasized that policymakers must ensure energy access is equitable across both urban and rural communities.
Towards a Sustainable Future
As Bangladesh grapples with the environmental and health consequences of its heavy reliance on firewood, experts stress the need for an integrated approach to promote clean energy solutions.
Their recommendations include expanding access to gas, particularly LPG in rural areas; scaling up the distribution of improved energy-efficient stoves; promoting solar-powered cooking solutions, especially in areas with high sunlight availability; and implementing financial incentives to make clean cooking technologies more affordable.
“The transition toward sustainable cooking practices is not just an environmental imperative — it is vital for improving public health and ensuring energy security for future generations,” said Syed Mahbubul Alam, adding, “With the right policy measures, investments, and awareness programs, Bangladesh can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.”
