which results in further degradation of the environment. Loopholes and criticisms The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 and Rules, 1997 are not free from a number of loopholes or shortcomings. There is a maxim that "prevention is better than cure", but the BECA of 1995 by the terms "improvement of environmental standards" and "mitigation of environmental pollution" in its preamble indicates that it is cure-oriented and it only copes with the curative measures rather than the preventive measures. The BECA, 1995,in true sense, deals with the post-harm situations. In Section 3, the term "Government" is a vague one. It creates the question in our minds – who is the Government under the BECA, 1995? There is no reference to any specific criteria for determining the "Government" who would set up the Department of Environment (DoE) headed by the Director General (DG). Section 4 of the Act gives unfettered and unlimited powers to the Director General (DG) of the Department of Environment (DoE). The wording 'may' in section 4 denotes that the DG is not bound to take necessary measures to conserve the environment and the DG can do anything at his sweet will. Section 5 of the Act requires the Government to declare the "ecologically critical areas". It is palpable that the environment experts can play a vital role in declaring the ecologically critical areas. Section 5 has no reference to the matter. Section 12 of the Act speaks about "Environment Clearance Certificate". It is yet unclear what will happen if the Department of Environment (DoE) is unable to meet the timetable to grant the Environment Clearance Certificate (ECC). References External links Bangladesh Business laws Nature conservation in Bangladesh Environmental law in Bangladesh 1995 in Bangladesh 1995 in the environment Bangladeshi legislation 1995 in law