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Saturday | November 14, 2026 | Dhaka

426 sources choking Dhaka’s rivers

BIWTA seeks inter-agency action to curb pollution and restore waterways
 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 14 November 2026  Updated: 11:56 PM, 13 November 2026
An aerial view of Hatirjheel, where the water has turned pinkish and lost its natural lustre, raising concerns over pollution and ecological damage to the lake and its surroundings. The photo was taken from the Rampura area on Friday. Photo: Moin Ahmed

At least 426 sources of water pollution have been identified in the rivers surrounding Dhaka, highlighting the scale of environmental degradation and the growing threat to the capital’s water resources, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA).

The government is taking steps to address the pollution in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, city corporations, the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and other relevant agencies, Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Friday.

Speaking to regular walkers and marathon participants at the BIWTA Walkway Run 2026 in Mohammadpur, he said a circular water transport system around the capital could be introduced if ongoing development programmes were implemented swiftly.

He said walkways had already been constructed at several points along riverbanks, while initiatives had been taken to connect unfinished sections and extend the facilities to other areas.

Emphasising the importance of public participation in river conservation, Rabiul said BIWTA was undertaking various activities to raise awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among residents.

The government also planned to introduce new water routes, modern vessels and river stations and terminals linked to the road transport network, he added.

Previous attempts to launch circular passenger services around Dhaka had failed to achieve the expected results, mainly because of longer travel times and river pollution, the minister said.

However, the government was now working to overcome these obstacles and improve the prospects of river-based transport, he added.

Rabiul expressed hope that the initiatives would help restore the rivers around Dhaka, promote river-based tourism and recreational activities, and provide city residents with a cleaner environment.

Shipping Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, BIWTA Chairman Muhidul Islam and senior officials attended the event.