Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Nirbhik (Narayanganj) yesterday demanded a pollution-free Buriganga and Shitalakhya rivers and appealed to save the rivers from encroachment.
The organisations at a citizen's rally held at Narayanganj Terminal Ghat also demanded a quick recovery and demarcation of the boundaries of the rivers and to set up recreation parks in Narayanganj.
The leaders of the organisations said, Buriganga and Shitalakhya rivers, the lifeline of Dhaka and Narayanganj, are now on the verge of death due to draining of effluents produced by the factories close to them and waste treatment plants of Wasa.
They demanded immediate implementation of the verdict of the High Court and prime minister's stern directive about setting effluent treatment plants to give the rivers a new lease of life.
They also pointed out fallow government land in between Chanmari slum and Jimkhana slum, Charar Gop Potashray adjoining number-5 ghat and Old Court premises may be turned into parks since there are no such parks in Narayangang.
Chief Coordinator of Nirbhik ATM Kamal presided over the rally. General Secretary of Bapa Dr Md Abdul Matin, Joint Secretary Sharif Jamil, and President of Samajik Sangathon Jannatul Ferdous were also present at the rally.