17-point demand submitted to DCs to protect rivers

Bangladesh Nodi Bachao Andolon has submitted Memorandum of Understanding to the deputy commissioners of all 64 districts across the country with a 17-point demand to protect rivers from encroachers.  

The platform of campaigners for river conservation also formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club on the occasion of International River Day.

They sought implementation of the High Court verdict against grabbing of rivers and also demanded that all 42, 423 people or organisations, which were found by the platform to have encroached river beds, be brought to book.

Noted Columnist Syed Abul Maksud said the country’s women and its rivers are the most tortured in Bangladesh and said those who are responsible for encroaching rivers need to be punished.

He further said a section of the ruling party and those who are in power are involved in this river encroachment which is why the government needs to be involved with the process of eviction.