United efforts needed to protect rivers: Rizwana
“At present, the country has 1,415 rivers. The Joint River Commission will conduct further research on rivers in the Sundarbans and hilly regions, while missing rivers will be verified and included in the list,” said Rizwana.
Protecting rivers requires united efforts with a single, common purpose, achievable only through political will and public solidarity, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (27 September).
"Different opinions exist regarding rivers in Bangladesh. This year, a list of rivers has been prepared with the initiative of the Ministry of Water Resources and support from the Water Development Board, local administration, and river activists," Rizwana said.
She made the remarks while addressing a discussion and award-giving ceremony at the Water Development Board in the capital's Panthapath, organised by the Water Development Board, Bangladesh River Foundation, and Nature and Life Foundation to mark World Rivers Day 2025.
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"At present, the country has 1,415 rivers. The Joint River Commission will conduct further research on rivers in the Sundarbans and hilly regions, while missing rivers will be verified and included in the list," she added.
Highlighting the cultural and historical ties of rivers, she said, "Rivers are deeply interlinked with our heritage. For our own survival, we must protect them. Some rivers are in crisis, and some are transboundary. The government is moving forward with comprehensive plans on rivers like the Teesta and the Ganges."
On tourism in Saint Martin's Island, the adviser said tourism has never been completely banned but has been regulated to protect nature, biodiversity, and the environment.
The programme was chaired by Nature and Life Foundation Chairman Mukit Majumder Babu. Special guests included Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Azaz and Water Development Board Director General Md Enayet Ullah.
This year, the Mark Angelo River Award was given in three categories. In the research category, the award went to Professor Dr Md Manzurul Kibria of the Halda Research Lab.
In the journalism category, it was awarded to Zahidur Rahman, senior reporter at Daily Samakal. In the organisation category, the award was given to Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa).
