It is indeed a shame that, despite being billed as “the land of rivers,” Bangladesh continues to struggle to protect them, which are northing short of the lifeblood of millions of people across the nation.
It is even more egregious because, beyond the point that river pollution and encroachment continue unabated, we also lack reliable data to even begin to comprehend the damage that has been done to our rivers over the years.
Experts have recently expressed the need for better cooperation between government bodies and environmental organizations to keep the country’s rivers healthy. At the same time, it is equally important for people at large to feel a sense of connection to our rivers, so that they too can raise their voices against the encroachment and pollution that continues and act in ways which do not cause them further harm.
It is important to note that Bangladesh has the right laws in place to protect its rivers, but as has become a part of culture, the impunity enjoyed by those destroying our rivers unfortunately make these laws meaningless.
This must change, and this must change soon.
It is simply unacceptable that so many lives are hampered, not to mention the entire ecosystem around rivers destroyed, simply because these individuals, for their selfish gains, continue to encroach upon and pollute our rivers.
Our rivers are slowly but surely dying, and unless there is a concerted effort, from the government, from the environmental organizations, and the general public to save them, the future of our rivers looks as murky as the waters that currently flow.
