Barclays faces complaint over backing for power plant near world’s largest mangrove forest
Barclays Bank is facing a formal complaint for its financial support of the Rampal coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh. Complainants argue the project threatens the Sundarbans, a UNESCO world heritage site, through heavy-metal pollution.
Why it matters
The case highlights the growing pressure on financial institutions to align their lending practices with environmental and sustainability standards.
Rampal power plant on the Pasur River. A study found high levels of mercury and arsenic in water samples in the nearby Sundarbans wetlands. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Rampal power plant on the Pasur River. A study found high levels of mercury and arsenic in water samples in the nearby Sundarbans wetlands. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Global development Barclays faces complaint over backing for power plant near world’s largest mangrove forest Bangladeshi complainants allege Rampal power station’s pollution and climate risks threaten the Sunderbans, a world heritage site
About this content Matthew Pearce Wed 2 Sep 2026 06.00 EDT Last modified on Wed 2 Sep 2026 06.02 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Barclays Bank is facing a formal complaint over its financial links to a coal-fired power station near the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to millions of people in Bangladesh and India.
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