Rajshahi, Sept 30 (V7N) – Marking World Rivers Day, a human chain and rally were held at Saheb Bazar Zero Point in Rajshahi city on Monday morning. The program was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Rajshahi District Committee and Rajshahi Rokkha Sangram Parishad.
 
Speakers said that although Bangladesh is a riverine country, rivers including the Padma are under threat due to India’s aggressive water policies and the impact of the Farakka Barrage. During the dry season, the Padma River near Rajshahi becomes almost waterless, leaving riverbeds dry and barren. This collapse of irrigation systems pushes farmers to the brink of disaster. The scarcity of fresh water also forces communities to use contaminated sources, leading to health risks such as skin diseases and other waterborne illnesses.
 
Participants alleged that influential groups have occupied long stretches of the Padma in Rajshahi, building illegal structures along the riverbanks. Illegal sand extraction continues unchecked, while the Water Development Board and other authorities remain silent. Reports indicate that nearly 17 meters of the Padma River’s embankment have already been taken over for permanent structures. The speakers warned that if encroachment and pollution continue, Rajshahi city itself could one day be swallowed by the river.
 
They emphasized that rivers are not only carriers of water but also foundations of nature, culture, and social values. Protecting rivers means safeguarding people’s lives, agriculture, and the environment. The gathering called on the government to take immediate legal action against river encroachers, ensure the implementation of the Ganges Water Treaty through international dialogue, and adopt effective measures for the conservation of rivers and wetlands.
 
The event was attended by BAPA Rajshahi District President Mahabub Hossain, Rajshahi Rokkha Sangram Parishad General Secretary and former BAPA President Jamat Khan, BAPA General Secretary Selina Begum, Green Voice Rajshahi College Branch President Rabeya Khatun, National Adivasi Parishad Organizing Secretary Subhash Chandra Hemvram, educationist and cultural personality Jewel Kibria, BAPA Sports Secretary Golam Nabi Rony, BAPA Treasurer Zahid Hasan, former Convener of Rajshahi College Chhatra Dal Khalid Bin Walid Abir, social activist Samrat Raihan, Mawlana Al-Amin, and freedom movement researcher Waliur Rahman Babu, among others.
 
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