Once there was a river

Only four decades ago, large boats used to ply the river -- loaded with different crops as well as fruits like jackfruit and pineapple. The boats would anchor at different markets, including those in Madhupur.

Once upon a time, the turbulent Bangshi river used to be one of the important rivers in central Bangladesh. However, the river is rapidly losing all its might and glory due to the filling up of its banks, mindless pollution and illegal grabbing.

Only four decades ago, large boats used to ply the river -- loaded with different crops as well as fruits like jackfruit and pineapple from the hills. The boats would anchor at different markets, including those in Madhupur, according to locals.

During that time, the easiest means of communication was the river, which has ceased to be nothing but a memory.

According to Water Development Board (WDB), the 238-kilometre-long Bangshi originates in Jamalpur, from the course of the old Brahmaputra, and flows past Madhupur.

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw multiple illegal establishments on the riverbanks, which fall under Madhupur municipal area, and from Kaitkai to Charaljani.

The establishments include buildings, which have occupied the river to the point of turning it into a narrow canal.

Due to waste dumping, the river has become unusable for both humans and cattle. There is not much fish left in there. Pollution has left a permanent mark on the river through the ever-present stench coming from its stagnant, polluted water.

Several residents of the riverbank said both sides of the bridge over the river -- adjacent to Madhupur bus stand -- have turned into a garbage dumping zone. At night, hotel workers dump all sorts of garbage into the river. The same is done by road sweepers as well.

The river is not only the source of pungent odour but also one of germs and diseases, said Shahidul Islam, a resident.

Habibur Rahman, a local activist, said although grabbing and polluting any river is a punishable offence according to law, some unscrupulous people are involved with such activities.

The authorities have turned a blind eye to the issue as well, alleged Habibur.

"But the Bangshi is the lung of Madhupur. We have to keep this river alive for our own good," told Sumon Karmakar, a green activist.

Earlier at a seminar, zila parishad panel chair and upazila Awami League president Khandaker Shafi Uddin Moni expressed his disappointment at WDB over the issue. 

Contacted, Md Sirajul Islam, executive engineer of WDB in Tangail, said they are unable to prevent the occupation and pollution of rivers as they have no magistracy power.

"The matter is under jurisdiction of the local administration. What we can do is inform them about the matter," he said.

Shamima Yasmin, UNO of Madhupur, said they are identifying the occupiers through a survey. She also warned those involved in activities such as dumping garbage in the river.