The International Day of Action for Rivers was observed in Pekua of Cox’s Bazar through various programs organized by the climate and environment-focused citizen organization Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHORA), the Salt-Fish-Farmers Welfare Association, and the Coastal Free Rover Scout Group. On the morning of March 13, the organizations arranged a colorful rally and a discussion meeting to mark the day.
The rally started from the Pekua Upazila Parishad premises and paraded through important roads of the upazila. After the rally, a discussion meeting was held at the Upazila conference hall. The meeting was chaired by Abul Hashem, convener of Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHORA), and moderated by journalist Sohel Azim. Speakers highlighted the significance of the International Day of Action for Rivers and the importance of protecting rivers and nature.
The chief guest at the event was Pekua Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) A.S.M. Nurul Akter Niloy.
Among others who spoke were Delwar Hossain, coordinator of the Pekua branch of Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHORA); Sadequur Rahman, team leader of the Coastal Free Rover Scout Group; Abdul Halim, president of the Rajakhali Union unit of the Salt, Fish and Farmers Welfare Association; and students of Pekua Girls’ High School—Jannatul Mawla, Sumaiya, Sanjida Jannat Jelly, Yasrabah Noori Tushi, and Takiya Sultana.
Speakers discussed the necessity of keeping rivers across the country free from pollution and illegal encroachment. They also called for protecting Pekua’s historic Bhola River and the important Kohlkhali Canal, along with other rivers and canals, from encroachment and pollution in order to build a river-friendly Pekua Upazila.
Others present included General Secretary Jahangir Alam Badsha, salt farmers’ association leader Solaima, student leader Mizbah Uddin, as well as teachers, students, journalists, and people from different professions across the upazila.
The International Day of Action for Rivers was first proposed at an international conference held in Brazil in 1997 to remind people of their responsibilities toward rivers and the environment. Since 1998, the day has been observed worldwide to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of rivers.
