Staff Reporter :
The Chairman of the National River Protection Commission (NRPC), Md Sarwar Mahmud, has emphasized that laws alone are insufficient to safeguard the nation’s rivers from illegal encroachment.
During a discussion organized by Bangladesh Nodi Rokkha Andolon (Save the River Movement Bangladesh), he stated that the commitment and willingness of public representatives are crucial to the conservation efforts.
The event, titled “Importance of River Protection to Prevent Warmness of Climate,” coincided with the biennial general meeting of the organization.
Mahmud highlighted the need for proactive prevention measures and urged the community to secure pledges from newly elected local government officials to oppose illegal occupation.The meeting was presided over by the organization’s President, Prof Anwar Sadat, with General Secretary Anwar Hossain serving as the moderator.
Dr. Lutfor Rahman, the former Director General of the River Research Institute (RRI), delivered the keynote address.
Vice Presidents SM Shafiqul Islam Kanu, Mihir Bishwas, Dr. Mohsin Ali Mondal Prince, Khandaker Aminul Haque Tutul, and Ikram Elahi Khan Saz, along with Joint Secretaries Dr. Burhan Uddin Aronno and Monir Munna, were among the notable speakers.
The event also saw contributions from Organising Secretary Kalimullah Iqbal, Finance Secretary Dr. Anwar Hossain, Dhaka City unit President Mohosinul Karim Lebu, and leaders Bashir Uddin, Rahidul Alam, Mia Hossain Rana, and Abdul Malek.
The speakers collectively called for immediate action to thwart illegal encroachments, protect the rivers, and restore navigability through dredging.
They expressed concern over the vulnerable state of many rivers across the country and the urgent need for conservation measures.
They said that the rivers a live resources, according to the court judgment.
“In our country, a criminal is punished for killing or hurting a human being. But, no actions are taken for killing or grabbing a river. It should be resisted and the illegal river grabbers must be punished.”
Responding to the demands of river rights activists, Commission Chairman Sarwar Mahmud said that the government is sincere to protect the river bringing lives in it by capital dredging. “But, only government initiatives are not enough to save those, we must have work together to save the rivers.”
Addressing river rights advocates, Commission Chairman Sarwar Mahmud confirmed the government’s dedication to revitalizing rivers through capital dredging.
He underscored the necessity of a united effort to preserve these vital waterways. “The government’s endeavors alone are not sufficient; it is imperative that we collaborate to protect our rivers,” Mahmud declared.
Mahmud drew attention to the crucial role of youth in conservation, likening their involvement to the diverse participation in the nation’s struggle for independence, where the youth were instrumental.
The Chairman called for heightened public awareness to thwart illegal encroachments and pollution of rivers. He identified improper irrigation and siltation as factors contributing to the desiccation of rivers by enlarging the riverbeds.
The organization’s general meeting reaffirmed its leadership, with Prof Anwar Sadat, Anwar Hossain, and Dr. Anwar Hossain being reelected as president, general secretary, and finance secretary, respectively.