Environmentalists and rights activists have emphasised on raising awareness to prevent the pollution and encroachment of the country’s rivers.
They made the call at a programme held at Gabtoli Landing Station Ghat in Dhaka on Wednesday (March 13). The programme includes human chain, puppet show, symbolic cleanliness and distribution of baskets among boatmen.
Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (We for Protecting the Planet- Dhora), WaterKeepers Bangladesh, Buriganga RiverKeeper, Nirapad Development Foundation, River Bangla, Amin Bazar Ghat Sramik Union, Banalata Nari Unnoyon Songstha, Environmental Research and Development Alternatives and Global Law Thinkers’ Society jointly arranged the events on the occasion the International Day of Action for Rivers.
The International Day of Action for Rivers is observed on March 14 every year to spread awareness about the importance of rivers and climate change. This year’s theme of the day is “Water for All”.
Dr Mujibur Rahman Howlader, former chairman of National River Conservation Commission; was present at the programme at Gabtali Landing Station as the chief guest, with Sharif Jamil, member secretary of Dhora and convener of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; in the chair.
Faisal Ahmed, editor of River Bangla; delivered the welcome speech, while programme was moderated by Ibnul Syed Rana, chairman of Nirapad Development Foundation. It was addressed, among others, by media personality Solaiman Sukhan, Meer Mohammad Ali, an assistant professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; Monir Hossain Chowdhury of ERDA; Iqbal Faruk of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; Khandaker Faruk Ahmed, chairman of Trinamool Unnoyon Sonngstha; Umme Salma, Raoman Smita, Israt Jahan Lota, Lal Mohammad, Syed Tapas and Amzad Ali Lal.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Mujibur Rahman Hawlader said, “Allah has created this world and given numerous reservoirs which are essential for the existence of life on this earth.
However, we are depleting these reservoirs in various ways. We must pledge to leave a beautiful world for future generations.”
He said that despite having a list of names of river encroachers, they cannot be evicted or punished. So, those who will come to seek votes in the coming days will directly ask what they will do for Turag-Buriganga.
In his presidential speech, Sharif Jamil said, “We have turned Dhaka’s rivers into polluted sewers in the name of conservation. River encroachment in the Turag has become severe.”
He called upon all the people related to the river to act responsibly towards the river not only today but also every day to protect the river.