Save the rivers for sustainable development | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
July 09, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, JULY 09, 2025
Save the rivers for sustainable development

Thoughts

Hiren Pandit / Research Fellow, BNNRC
05 June, 2022, 03:35 pm
Last modified: 05 June, 2022, 03:41 pm

Related News

  • The private sector as a catalyst for sustainable development in Bangladesh
  • Water level in 28 rivers rises, 88 falls: FFWC
  • Water level in 17 river stations rises, 95 falls: FFWC
  • Final list of rivers to be published on Pahela Baishakh: Adviser Rizwana
  • White Paper suggests hosting forum for sustainable development in 2025

Save the rivers for sustainable development

Of the 405 rivers in the country, 165 are on the verge of extinction due to encroachment and pollution

Hiren Pandit / Research Fellow, BNNRC
05 June, 2022, 03:35 pm
Last modified: 05 June, 2022, 03:41 pm
Photo: Collected
Photo: Collected

Most of the rivers of the country including those in Dhaka are disappearing due to pollution. Especially around Dhaka, the aggressive hand of the occupiers are slowly but surely killing the Shitalakshya, Turag and Buriganga. 

Sadly, the biggest pollutants are the government institutions. Of the 67 major pollutants in the Buriganga, 56 are under Dhaka WASA and BSCIC; a few belong to the city corporations. 

The situation has reached such a stage that many rivers have already been wiped off the map. Of the 405 rivers in the country, 165 are on the verge of extinction due to encroachment and pollution. The remaining 230 are also at risk. About 24,000 kilometres of waterways have been reduced to just about 6,000 kilometres. 

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Currently, there are about 109 char Upazilas in 32 districts of Bangladesh. About seven hundred rivers, big and small, have flowed through this small country.

People's occupations, agriculture,  livelihoods and literary culture are all directly or indirectly dependent on these rivers. But it feels as if there was a lack of determination and goodwill on the part of those concerned about the occupiers and polluters. 

Rivers must be protected by putting the national interest above the interests of all kinds of individuals and groups. At various times, the government has conducted evictions of illegal establishments, but these measures never completely followed through and the remnants of those establishments spread and spread like cancers on the river banks. 

There are policies and laws to protect the river, but they have not been implemented to their fullest extent. Water management needs to be done properly and the rivers should be allowed to flow normally.

Experts have mentioned that in the last 40 years, the uninterrupted rivers in Dhaka, Chattogram and surrounding areas have been subjected to extreme levels of pollution. 

As we stand about waiting, more and more industrial waste is being disposed of in Buriganga, Turag, Tongi canal, Balu, Shitalakshya and Dhaleshwari. Moreover, Buriganga is also the destination of all household waste from the capital. And these wastes are coming into the river without any treatment. 

According to a recent study, 11 types of harmful metals have been found in the waters of different rivers in Dhaka and Chattogram. These heavy metals include more than acceptable levels of zinc, copper, iron, lead, cadmium, nickel, manganese, arsenic, chromium, carbon monoxide and mercury.

These heavy metals from the industrial waste mix with water to create serious pollution at the bottom of the river. Especially in the dry season, the concentration of harmful metals in river water rises. 

Consequently, the oxygen levels were found to be almost zero at several points in Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakshya and Karnafuli rivers. Without adequate oxygen in the water, it is almost impossible for fish or other aquatic life to survive. 

Strict monitoring of the source of river pollution must be implemented. To restore river life, waste disposal systems must be consistent with the chemical and biodiversity value of rivers. Dredging can be a useful tool for already polluted rivers. Besides, the concerned authorities have to ensure that those involved in pollution get proper punishment.

To maintain the existence of riverine Bangladesh, there is no alternative but to protect the river and maintain its navigability of the river. Sustainable development also requires the protection of rivers and proper use of water. The river is the lifeblood of Bangladesh. 

The development process that can be accelerated while preserving a safe environment for future generations is considered sustainable development. Sustainable development requires maintaining social and environmental balance with economic development. 

To establish the economy that we need for sustainable development, the river must regain its lost glory and youth. Rivers are closely associated with our nature and environment. We have to move forward with everyone for sustainable development and river protection. 

Hiren Pandit is a columnist and researcher, He can be contacted at hiren.bnnrc@gmail.com


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.

 

Top News

rivers / Sustainable Development

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Several bank audit reports contain cooked up data: BB governor
  • Workers pack undergarments at the packing section of a garment factory in Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 19, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Fatima Tuj Johora
    After US tariffs, jobs hang by a thread in Bangladesh's garments sector
  • Global Islami Bank rectifies 2023 figures, reports major loss instead of profit
    Global Islami Bank rectifies 2023 figures, reports major loss instead of profit

MOST VIEWED

  • None saw it coming: What went wrong in Bangladesh’s tariff negotiation with US 
    None saw it coming: What went wrong in Bangladesh’s tariff negotiation with US 
  • File Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
    Bangladesh faces economic impact as US introduces 35% tariff on exports
  • Representational image. Photo: Collected
    Bangladesh reserves above $24b even after making $2b ACU payment 
  • Electric buses for capital: Tk2,500cr to be spent in 2 years
    Electric buses for capital: Tk2,500cr to be spent in 2 years
  • Representational image. Photo: TBS
    35% US tariff to be disastrous for Bangladesh's exports, say economists and exporters
  • Clashes took place between police and protesters in Sylhet on 2 August. Photo: TBS
    Hasina authorised deadly crackdown on protesters during 2024 July uprising, BBC verifies leaked audio

Related News

  • The private sector as a catalyst for sustainable development in Bangladesh
  • Water level in 28 rivers rises, 88 falls: FFWC
  • Water level in 17 river stations rises, 95 falls: FFWC
  • Final list of rivers to be published on Pahela Baishakh: Adviser Rizwana
  • White Paper suggests hosting forum for sustainable development in 2025

Features

Dr Mostafa Abid Khan. Sketch: TBS

Actual impact will depend on how US retailers respond: Mostafa Abid Khan

1d | Economy
Thousands gather to form Bangla Blockade in mass show of support. Photo: TBS

Rebranding rebellion: Why ‘Bangla Blockade’ struck a chord

1d | Panorama
The Mitsubishi Xpander is built with families in mind, ready to handle the daily carpool, grocery runs, weekend getaways, and everything in between. PHOTO: Akif Hamid

Now made-in-Bangladesh: 2025 Mitsubishi Xpander

2d | Wheels
Students of different institutions protest demanding the reinstatement of the 2018 circular cancelling quotas in recruitment in government jobs. Photo: Mehedi Hasan

5 July 2024: Students announce class boycott amid growing protests

4d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Not only Hasina but also Awami League should be tried: Mirza Fakhrul

Not only Hasina but also Awami League should be tried: Mirza Fakhrul

1h | TBS Today
Trump considering sanctions on Russia

Trump considering sanctions on Russia

2h | TBS World
Iran receives missile shipment from China

Iran receives missile shipment from China

4h | TBS World
Will JPA be able to survive in the political arena?

Will JPA be able to survive in the political arena?

17h | TBS Stories
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net