Environmentalists and educationists yesterday pledged to bolster the ongoing campaign to save the rivers flowing around the capital with support of people.
They made the observations at the inaugural of a two-day photo exhibition organised as part of The Daily Star – Channel i joint initiative “To the Prime Minister: Save Rivers Save Dhaka”.
The exhibition at Shatayu Angan at Ramna Park in the capital highlights photographs depicting encroachment and pollution of rivers surrounding the capital city.
Stating that the capital is already burdened with a population of 1.20 crore who will suffer catastrophic consequences in the coming days if such destruction of rivers continue, speakers said the movement should also incorporate restoration of the rivers across the country.
“We solely express solidarity with the initiative and will together augment the environment movement,” said Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, chairman of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, one of the pioneering environment movements in the country.
He said that only a strong commitment from the relevant authorities could save the rivers across the country, which is lifeline of the country’s economy, livelihood and agriculture.
He said rivers are dying today because the authorities did not pay heed to the environmentalists’ cries earlier. He pointed out that there is still time to restore the dying rivers referring to the famous Thames River in Britain which was once polluted, but successfully restored since.
Referring to the prime minister’s assurance of restoring all rivers in the country, the environmentalist said, “We want to trust these assurances and work together with you.”
Former adviser to a caretaker government Hassan Arif said, “We must all rise together to save the rivers.”
The aquatic organisms, which were once abundant in rivers, haors and even in ponds, are almost gone today, Arif said noting the losses we are incurring in losing our rivers.
Professor Emazuddin Ahmed, former vice chancellor of Dhaka University, said building industries are important for development but that can never be at the cost of river pollution or encroachment, because rivers sustain life.
The major portion of drinking water for the city is now extracted from groundwater, he said, adding that if this continues, Dhaka city will sink to a lower level at some point soon. Therefore, there is no alternative to protecting the rivers, he noted.
The educationist lauded The Daily Star-Channel i initiative and called on all to rise to the occasion.
The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said major cities in the world have grown up beside rivers because people need water.
“But, if the rivers are contaminated, citizens both rich and poor will suffer for it,” he said calling upon all to raise their voices to stop river pollution and encroachment.
He also noted that the extent of the crisis might not be very apparent today.
“That is why we are here to tell you about impending dangers. You must spread the word to others and help the movement.”
Passers-by and park goers also joined the programme.
“The pictures are excellent. They speak of the horrible state of our rivers,” said Bayezid, a park-goer. “Yes, I will tell others about it.”
Baul singers Ashik Dewan and Hashem Dewan sang songs on rivers at the exhibition, which will remain open from 3:00pm to 7:00pm today.
Categories: Bangla, Bangladesh, Bangladesh News, Bangladesh Politics, Daily Bangladesh News, News, Politics
