‘Our rivers and women are the most tortured’

Bangladesh Nodi Bachao Andolon yesterday submitted a memorandum 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 human chains in different districts, including in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital, on the occasion of International River Day.

They sought implementation of the High Court verdict against grabbing of rivers and demanded that all 42,423 establishments, which were identified by the National River Conservation Commission, be evicted.

They also demanded that the government bring encroachers to book.

“Women and rivers are the most tortured in Bangladesh, and those who are responsible for encroaching rivers need to be punished,” said noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud at the human chain, speaking as chief guest.

He further said some industrialists, under the shelter of a section of ruling party men, are involved in river encroachment, which is why the government needs to be involved with the process of eviction.

Mihir Biswas, vice-president of Bangladesh Nodi Bachao Andolon, said after recovering rivers from encroachers, the land will have to be “returned to the rivers”; authorities should not use the land for other purposes.

He also demanded to ensure transparency in projects which will be taken to save rivers.

Stressing the need for ensuring punishment of encroachers, general secretary of Bangladesh Nodi Bachao Andolon Dr Anowar Hossain said a separate river law and tribunal are very essential to bring encroachers to book.

Mohammad Anowar Sadat, president of the platform, said Bangladesh River Commission identified 42,324 encroachers of rivers across the country, but DCs of 12 districts still did not submit their lists to the commission.

Underscoring the need for specific dates to save the rivers from encroachers and polluters, Anowar said the number of encroachers will cross 50,000 when these 12 districts will provide encroachment lists of their districts, he said.

Their 17-point demand include keeping effluent treatment plants of industries or factories functional round the clock, and ensuring proper treatment of human and hospital waste.

They also demanded formulation of a comprehensive river, water and environment law, incorporating the organisations working to protect rivers, water and environment.

Their other demands include empowering the National River Conservation Commission like Anti-Corruption Commission; reforming the water resources ministry as “River and Water Resources ministry”; forming river- and canal-recovering committees at national and local levels involving the ministry concerned, National River Conservation Commission, local administration and green organisations.

They also demanded removal of unplanned bridges, culverts and dams and walls, and re-construction of those in a planned way after conducting necessary surveys.