Social watchdogs at a meeting here on Monday unequivocally called for protecting the existing rivers, including the mighty Padma, through freeing those from pollution and grabbing.
They categorically mentioned that the unabated pollution, contamination and illegal grabbing are posing serious threats to the rivers and demanded immediate action against the malpractices.
Local unit of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad jointly organised the human-chain-cum-street-corner meeting at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point putting forward a set of demands to protect the rivers.
BAPA Joint Secretary SM Mijanur Rahman addressed the meeting as the chief guest with its local unit President Jamat Khan in the chair. Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hassan Millat, Rulfao Director Afzal Hossain and BAPA local unit vice-president Selina Begum addressed, among others, the meeting.
Emphasizing the importance of the rivers for the survival of the region, discussants expect that the Padma River will be brought under capital dredging for the restoration of its navigability. Living and livelihood conditions of many people are dependent on the river which has also influenced the ecosystem and biodiversity in the region. In all perspectives, there is an urgent need to protect the river. Jamat Khan said there are immense prospects of carrying goods through the river routes after capital dredging of the Padma River.
The rivers are losing their previous shape gradually due to various reasons including illegal embouchement and occupation, he mentioned.
To mitigate the problem, there is a need of creating awareness among the public in general side by side with administrative measures, he added.
