The government has attached highest priority to protecting the country’s rivers, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud said, adding the shipping ministry is committed to implement the initiatives recommended by the National River Protection Commission. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said in 2009 the challenge for the Awami League government was to develop the power sector, which it has overcome by now. Now, in 2019, the challenge for the governments is to protect the rivers, he noted.
he state minister said this while addressing a workshop on river protection at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Wednesday. The National River Conservation Commission organised the event. Khalid Mahmud said, “Protecting rivers is our responsibility. Public awareness is very essential in this regard. There are many obstacles on the way to rescuing the Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Shitalakhya rivers. However, we are committed not to compromise on this and we are working to rescue the rivers as per under the instructions of the prime minister.”
The state minister went on saying that the people have become more aware in recent times. During the eviction drives in Buriganga, Turag and Balu, people of different districts of the country came out to streets demanding steps to protect rivers in their respective areas. “Although we have many limitations, there is no shortage of sincerity in protecting the rivers. There was no constitutional continuity after 1975, which is back now. Everyone is enjoying the benefits of development. The development has been possible for the current government.”
Khalid Mahmud said, “We have to save our rivers. The government has formed the National River Protection Commission for the protection of the country’s rivers.” “Bangabandhu made an ordinance to free water from pollution. He took the GDP growth rate to 7% within only 3.5 years from the ruins of a newly independent Bangladesh. He built a realistic foundation for the development of the country. After the assassination of Bangabandhu, the speed of the country’s progress suffered a deadlock. Likewise, the rivers also lost their navigability in absence of necessary government initiatives to protect them,” he continued.
Among others, Shipping Secretary Mohammad Abdus Samad, Industries Secretary Mohammad Abdul Halim, Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation Chairmen Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Local Government Division Additional Secretary Roksana Kader, National River Protection Commission member Sharmin Sonia Murshid and Mohammad Alauddin also spoke at the workshop chaired by Commission Chairmen Dr Muzibur Rahman Howlader.
