Barclays faces complaint over backing for power plant near world’s largest mangrove forest

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Published: 2026-09-02T11:21:06.190Z • Permanent link

Barclays Bank is facing a formal complaint over its financial links to the Rampal power station, a coal-fired facility located near the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans. The complaint, filed by Bangladeshi complainants, alleges that the pollution and climate risks associated with the power station threaten the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sunderbans, which cover an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, the Ganges River dolphin, and numerous species of birds.

Barclays has been accused of providing financial support to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) for the construction of the Rampal power station, which is expected to generate 1,320 megawatts of electricity. The power station is being built on a 32-square-kilometer site, which is located near the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The complainants claim that the construction of the power station will lead to significant environmental damage, including the destruction of mangrove forests, increased pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

The complainants, who represent various environmental and social organizations in Bangladesh, have accused Barclays of failing to conduct adequate environmental and social impact assessments before providing financial support to the BPDB. They have also claimed that the bank has ignored warnings from its own experts and those of independent organizations, who have expressed concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts of the power station.

The complaint against Barclays highlights the growing concern about the environmental and social impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those that involve the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels. The construction of the Rampal power station is a prime example of how financial institutions can perpetuate environmental degradation and social injustices, often with devastating consequences for local communities.

The complaint also raises important questions about the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainable development and responsible investing. Barclays, as a major financial institution, has a responsibility to consider the environmental and social impacts of its investments and to take steps to mitigate any negative consequences. The bank's failure to do so has significant implications for the reputation of the financial sector and its ability to promote sustainable development.

The complaint against Barclays is part of a larger pattern of environmental and social concerns surrounding large-scale infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. The country has been plagued by environmental degradation and social injustices, particularly in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Jamuna River bridge and the expansion of the Dhaka airport.