Once flowing profusely through the old town of Cumilla, the Gumti river has now been reduced to a trickle in most parts of its course and is on the brink of death.

Speakers at a discussion meeting in the capital on Saturday said most government measures taken to protect rivers and strengthen the river transport sector are positive but slow in implementation.

Describing the government’s “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100” as totally confusing, initiator of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Dr Nazrul Islam on Sunday said the actual plan needs to be clarified to protect the country’s environment and save people’s lives.

Campaigning has peaked with just over a week left for the elections to two Dhaka city corporations as candidates are doing everything to woo voters in the final days.