Staff Reporter
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s rivers and recover those that have been encroached upon. She stated that strict enforcement of laws will be initiated for this purpose, and public cooperation is essential. She also mentioned that cost-effective plans will be developed to clean the rivers, and a campaign against polythene and plastic will be launched.

The adviser made these remarks as the chief guest at a special event held on 21 September at Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, on the occasion of World Rivers Day 2024 and the presentation of the River Award 2024.

She highlighted that rivers are not only natural resources but also deeply connected to our culture and livelihoods. To ensure a healthy environment for future generations, it is crucial to make the rivers pollution-free. She also urged everyone to work together to protect and clean the rivers.

At the event, three individuals were honored with the Mark Angelo River Award 2024 for their significant contributions to river conservation. This year, in the individual category, Mukit Majumdar Babu, Chairman of Prakriti O Jibon Foundation, received the award. In the research category, Mohammad Ejaz, Chairman of the River and Delta Research Center, was recognized. In the journalism category, Iftekhar Mahmud, Special Correspondent of Prothom Alo, was honored.

The event was presided over by Muhammad Monir Hossain, Chairman of the Bangladesh River Foundation. Other speakers included Nayoka Martinez Backström, First Secretary for Environment and Climate Change at the Swedish Embassy, Professor Dr. Abdur Rab Molla, Chairman of Nature Conservation Management, Professor Dr. Md. Manzurul Kibria, Coordinator of Halda River Research Laboratory, Engineer Md. Habibur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Nodi Poribrajak Dal, H.M. Sumon, Chairman of the Environment and River Conservation Development Foundation, Sheikh Didarul Islam Chowdhury, Secretary of Karnafuli Protection Council, and AKM Arif Uddin, Director of BIWTA.

A documentary on the rivers of Bangladesh was also screened at the event. Environmentalists, academicians, and civil society representatives from various levels were present.