Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources; on Saturday stressed the importance of protecting the rivers of the country and recovering those from encroachers.
“Laws would be enforced strictly in protecting the country’s rivers,” she said adding that cooperation from people from all walks of life is critical to this end.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a special event held at the auditorium of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation in the capital on the occasion of World Rivers Day 2024 and handing over the the River Award-2024 to the recipients.
On the 4th Sunday of every September, the World Rivers Day is celebrated to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.
At the event, three individuals were honoured with the Mark Angelo River Award- 2024 for their significant contributions to river conservation.
Mukit Majumdar Babu, chairman of Prakriti O Jibon Foundation; received the award in the individual category, while Mohammad Azaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC); in the research category and Iftekhar Mahmud, special correspondent of Daily Prothom Alo; in journalism category.
Presided over by Muhammad Monir Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh River Foundation; the event was addressed, among others, by 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; Eng Md. Habibur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Nodi Poribrajak Dal, HM 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 screened at the event.
Speaking at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan mentioned that cost-effective plans would be developed to restore the rivers and a campaign against polythene and plastic would be launched soon to protect environment.
“Rivers are not only natural resources but also deeply connected to our culture and livelihoods,” she said while highlighting the importance on pollution-free rivers aimed at ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
She called upon all to work together to protect and clean the rivers.
