Environment Day rally demands protection of water bodies
Amid mounting climate-related challenges in coastal Bangladesh, environmental activists, journalists and civil society representatives on Thursday called for urgent protection and restoration of rivers, canals, wetlands and other natural water bodies to strengthen climate resilience and ensure long-term water security.
The demands were raised during a human chain organised by COAST Foundation in front of the Bhola District Press Club on Friday, marking World Environment Day 2026.
Speakers warned that climate change is increasing the frequency of irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, excessive rainfall, waterlogging and salinity intrusion across Bangladesh, particularly in coastal regions.
They said natural water bodies serve as critical nature-based solutions by storing rainwater, maintaining ecological balance and supporting groundwater recharge.
However, widespread illegal encroachment and land filling are destroying canals, wetlands, rivers and ponds, disrupting natural water flow and reducing water retention capacity, they said.
The speakers expressed concern that the loss of surface water bodies is increasing dependence on groundwater, while unregulated extraction through deep tube wells for agricultural irrigation and industrial use is accelerating depletion. As a result, groundwater levels are declining rapidly, many tube wells are becoming non-functional and access to safe drinking water, especially in coastal areas, is becoming increasingly difficult.
They called for the removal of all illegal encroachments from natural water bodies, strict enforcement of environmental and land-use regulations and restoration of natural water flows.
They also urged the government to implement a coordinated national programme prioritising nature-based solutions, including the protection and rehabilitation of rivers, canals, wetlands, government ponds and other open water systems.
The speakers further advocated large-scale rainwater harvesting, revival of water retention systems and sustainable groundwater management to reduce dependence on deep tube wells.
The programme was attended by representatives of civil society, women leaders, journalists, students, youth representatives and people from different professions. The event was moderated by M.A. Hasan, Head of Climate Change of COAST Foundation.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Nayemat Ullah, District Correspondent of Prothom Alo; Md. Taslim, General Secretary of Bhola District Krishak Dal; women leader Nurjahan Nila; Advocate Kamal Uddin Sultan; Harunur Rashid Shimul, District Correspondent of Daily Bangladesh Alo; Sumaiya Akhter of BD Clean; and Razib Ghosh from the COAST Climate Resilience Project.
Speaking at the event, M.A. Hasan highlighted the importance of nature-based solutions in addressing environmental challenges. He called for the recovery of illegally occupied rivers, canals and ponds and urged steps to prevent further encroachment. He also stressed the need to excavate and conserve water bodies to improve rainwater storage, ensure safe drinking water supplies, recharge groundwater and maintain ecological balance.
Nayemat Ullah said illegal sand extraction is a major contributor to the degradation and filling of open water bodies. He urged the administration to take strict action against the practice and described declining groundwater levels as a serious environmental concern. Strengthening surface water conservation systems, he said, is essential to avoid future shortages of safe drinking water.
Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Member Secretary of “Amra Bhola Bashi”, alleged that trees are being indiscriminately cut and supplied to local brick kilns as fuel. He said no effective measures have been taken by the Department of Environment or the administration to address the issue and warned that continued deforestation would threaten ecological balance and environmental protection efforts.
Harunur Rashid Shimul said canals in Bhola town have been encroached upon and filled for tourism projects, while many government ponds have already been occupied and others remain at risk. He urged authorities to take immediate steps to recover and protect these water bodies, describing them as essential for rainwater conservation and climate adaptation.
Nurjahan Nila highlighted the public health impacts of brick kilns, claiming that residents living nearby are suffering from serious illnesses, including lung cancer and heart attacks, while mortality rates are increasing. She also said the use of fertile topsoil in brick production is reducing soil fertility and called on authorities to take strict action against environmentally harmful brick kilns.
The participants stressed that protecting natural water systems and strengthening environmental governance are essential for addressing the growing impacts of climate change and safeguarding the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in coastal Bangladesh.
