National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) Chairman Dr Muzibur Rahman Howlader on Tuesday categorically said no structures will be allowed on the rivers’ and if anybody tries to harm river will face action.
The NRCC Chairman made the remarks while visiting Dhaleshwari river’s in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital on Tuesday morning.
Referring to the Shahid Rafiq Udding bridge on Dhaleshwari river, Dr Muzibur said they will recommend reconstructing of the bridge to save river. “River land is being grabber and it’s a criminal offense. Nobody can harm a river, none has the rights to do so,” he added
The NRCC Chairman said, “We want industries, development, and there is no clash between development and river. We have to do anything by keeping the river flow in the right condition. River land class cannot be changed; its land cannot be occupied, even its land non-transferable. Nobody can use river land on business propose, and no opportunity to setup houses or structures on its land. Asked about Bangshi river grabbing NRCC chairman said initiative would be taken to free the river. Sayed Abul Maksud, Vice president of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon said, “We noticed that, politically influential people usually grab river abusing power. But laws are in favor of rivers. We urged government to the river grabbers.” “We want development but it does not mean that river can be damaged,” he added.
According to the local administration of Singair, CS record, around 200 acres of Dhaleshwari river land were grabbed in different times, and still in grabber’s possession. Shahina Akthar, assistant district commissioner (Revenue) of Manikgonj, Runa Laila Upazila Nirbahi officer of Singair, Meher Nigar Sultana, assistant commissioner (land) of Singiar, officials of NRCC, local administration of Manikgonj among others were present during the visit.
