Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain on Monday issued a stark warning, stressing the immediate necessity to rid the country’s rivers of pollution and illegal encroachment.

“Bangladesh is a riverine country where people directly or indirectly rely on rivers. But in the name of development, rivers, canals, and wetlands have been encroached upon and polluted. To save our rivers, we must tackle these issues immediately,” he said while addressing a seminar at the Water Development Board in the capital.

The Ministry of Water Resources hosted the event with a focus on determining the number of rivers in Bangladesh.

Dr Hossain called for a coordinated approach among relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to protect rivers.

He highlighted the urgent need to clean up the Buriganga River during this winter season.

“The Ministry of Shipping will provide the necessary manpower and equipment for this initiative. All illegal structures along riverbanks must be demolished. Local administrations must play a more active role in protecting rivers, canals, and wetlands from pollution and encroachment,” he stressed.

Master plan for Matarbari deep-sea port being revised to meet global standards: Shipping Adviser

He said that the recurring issue of re-encroachment after eviction drives and pointed out the critical need to curb illegal sand extraction from rivers.

The adviser also urged authorities to ensure proper maintenance of urban drainage systems, many of which have been blocked or rendered ineffective.

Discussing the loss of navigability in major rivers, including the Buriganga, Dr Hossain advocated for planned dredging.

“Restoring the navigability of our rivers through dredging is a pressing necessity. Without this, our rivers will lose their historical and economic significance,” he added.

He lamented the pollution and encroachment of northern rivers and criticised the filling of canals to construct drains. He also called for a clear distinction between rivers and canals to better protect and manage water bodies.

The seminar, chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, was addressed by Advisor to the Ministry of Environment Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

The participants included senior officials from the Water Development Board, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners, with many joining it virtually.