River Fair 2026 was held in Sylhet on Monday, bringing together government officials, development partners, researchers, civil society representatives and river-dependent communities to promote awareness and strengthen collective efforts for river conservation.

Organised by the Centre for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), the fair took place at a hotel under the theme “People for Rivers, Rivers for People.”

Speaking at the programme as the chief guest, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad said Bangladesh’s rivers are facing growing threats from climate change, erosion, pollution, declining navigability and illegal encroachment.

He stressed that while the government is implementing programmes such as dredging, riverbank protection, biodiversity conservation and tree plantation, broader public participation is crucial for protecting rivers.

“River Fair 2026 can serve as an effective platform for increasing awareness and strengthening coordination among stakeholders working on river issues,” the state minister said.

The event was chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwoer Alam. CNRS Programme Manager Nadim Hossain Ador said the fair was designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing, dialogue and collaboration among different stakeholders involved in river conservation.

Representatives from the Embassy of the Netherlands, Oxfam, the TROSA Programme, government agencies, development organisations, civil society organisations, media outlets and river-dependent communities attended the programme.

Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening public engagement and social awareness initiatives to protect rivers and ensure sustainable management of water resources.

Organisers said the fair is part of The People’s Riverscape Project, under which participatory river management activities are being implemented in the basins of the Piyain, Sari and Dhalai rivers.

The project aims to develop sustainable river management plans by combining local knowledge with scientific research.