United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's rivers are in the grip of an alarming ecological crisis, with 81 reported to have dried up during the lean season, according to a recent study. Once the lifelines of the nation—sustaining local economies, biodiversity, and ecosystems—many rivers are now either heavily silted or vanishing altogether, warns the study titled ‘Dried-up Rivers of Bangladesh’ by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC). The crisis is particularly severe in regions such as Khulna, Satkhira, Rajshahi and Kushtia, where pollution, sedimentation, and rapid urbanisation have severely disrupted natural water flows. “This deterioration poses a serious threat to livelihoods, agriculture, and biodiversity, underscoring the vital role rivers play in sustaining both ecosystems and human communities,” the study said. According to the RDRC, the highest number of drying rivers—25—are in Khulna division, followed by 20 in Rajshahi, 15 in Rangpur, six in Chattogram, five in Mymensingh, four in Dhaka, and three each in Barishal and Sylhet divisions. The list of 81 affected rivers includes the Alay, Atrai, Bagboti, Bangali, Baral, Betna, Bhairab, Bhodrabati, Bhola, Bhulli, Bilash, Burikhora, Chandana, Chandrabati, Chiknai, Chitra, Chuna, Dhalai, Dhaleshwari, Dharla, Dhepa, Dudhkumar, Fotki, Galghesiya, Gangnai, Ghaghat, Gomati, Goneshwari, Gorai and Gumani. Dhaka-Ctg underground fuel supply pipeline project likely to begin operation by end of April Also affected are the Hanu, Harihar, Hishna, Hoja, Hura Sagor, Ichamoti, distributaries of the Jamuna, Kahua, Kakshiali, Kaliganga, Kalpani, Karatoya, Katakhali, Khakdon, Kholpetua, Kohelia, Kopotakkho, Kulik, Kumar, Kushiyara, Mahananda, Manash, Mathavanga, Mohishaban, Morrichap, Moyur, Muhuri, and Muradiya. The remaining rivers are Nabaganga, Nagar, Narod, Noroshunda, some distributaries of the Padma, Pagla, Punarbhaba, Sandha, Selonia, Shagorkhali, Shalikha, Shib, Sholmari, Shuk, Someshwari, Sonai, Sukhdah, Surma, Tangon, Teesta, Titash, Tulsi Ganga, and Lenga. The study highlights growing concern for the Brahmaputra-Jamuna-Meghna (BGM) basin, which is under severe stress due to upstream dams and water diversions. These are disrupting the natural flow and affecting millions of people dependent on these rivers for fishing, farming and transportation. “As water levels become unpredictable, entire communities are struggling. The impact goes beyond humans—it’s damaging wildlife, destroying habitats, and disrupting the natural balance,” it noted. The RDRC recommends immediate action to reduce pollution, prevent erosion, and restore aquatic ecosystems. But, the study emphasises that national efforts alone are insufficient. “Given that many rivers cross international borders, Bangladesh must engage in regional cooperation with upstream countries. Only through joint efforts can we ensure these rivers continue to sustain people and nature for generations to come,” the report said. Construction of Madhumati Embankment brings hope for a secure future With over 24,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and streams, Bangladesh is home to one of the world’s largest natural river networks. During the monsoon, approximately 6,000 kilometres remain navigable. That figure drops to just 3,800 kilometres in the dry season.

Speakers at a discussion have said some 200 fisher families in Savar are to lead a miserable life, losing their main livelihood for eight months every year due to water pollution in Turag River. They said many of the fishermen of Majhirdia village in Savar under Dhaka district are forced to stay unemployed from October-May every year due to lack of fishes in Turag River, caused by acute water pollution. So, they need to lead their life taking loans with high interest rates at the time, they added. Also read : Coast Guard rescues 13 stranded fishermen from sea after trawler breaks down River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), a non-government organization, arranged the discussion at Majhirdia village under Kaundia Union in Savar on Saturday, said a press release. The RDRC also donated 3 water pumps at Srighat area in the village to ensure safe water for the fisher families. Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Mihir Biswas, Secretary of Turag River Protection Committee Masum Sardar, President of Global Law Thinker Society Raoman Smita, Secretary of River Bangladesh Foysal Ahmed, coordinator of Water Keepers’ Bangladesh Sharif Jamil, writer Robiul Alam, chairman of Safe Development Foundation Ibnul Sayeed Rana, among others, spoke at the discussion presided over by RDRC chairman Mohammad Azaz. Also read : Ctg flood causes loss of Tk 70cr for fish sector They said a race of encroachment and pollution continues in Turag River as numerous industries and factories were built on the banks of the river. The effluents of the factories are polluting the river. So, thousands of people who are dependent on the river are losing their livelihood, they added. The speakers said the fisher families are deprived of access to safe water due to the river pollution. The families are not getting other facilities like ‘fishing allowance’ unemployment allowance and elderly allowance, they claimed. Also read : Coast Guard seizes banned fishing nets worth near Tk 9 cr In this context, many fishers are changing their profession, losing their livelihood, said the environment activists.