TDS Desk:

The tougher enforcement of the relevant law will be ensured to protect the country’s rivers and free those from illegal occupation, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources, said on Saturday.

She came up with the warning while addressing a special event held in Dhaka organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation on the occasion of World River Day 2024.

“The rivers are not only our natural resources but also deeply connected to our culture and livelihoods. We need to protect the rivers from pollution and illegal occupation for the sake of the future generation,” she said.

The government will undertake a cost-effective plan in this regard, she said, underscoring the need for a collective effort to make the mission successful.

Three individuals were honored with the Mark Angelo River Award 2024 for their significant contributions to river conservation during the programme.

This year, in the individual category, Mukit Majumdar Babu, chairman of Prakriti O Jibon Foundation, received the award.

In the research category, Mohammad Ejaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Center, was recognised.

In the journalism category, Iftekhar Mahmud, special correspondent of Prothom Alo, was honored.

Muhammad Monir Hossain, chairman of Bangladesh River Foundation, presided over the event.

Other speakers included Nayoka Martinez Backström, First Secretary for Environment and Climate Change at the Swedish Embassy, Prof Dr. Abdur Rab Molla, chairman of Nature Conservation Management, Prof Dr Md. Manzurul Kibria, coordinator of Halda River Research Laboratory, Engineer Md. Habibur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Nodi Poribrajak Dal, HM Sumon, chairman of Environment and River Conservation Development Foundation, Sheikh Didarul Islam Chowdhury, secretary of Karnafuli Protection Council, and AKM Arif Uddin, director of the BIWTA.

A documentary on the rivers of Bangladesh was also screened during the event. Environmentalists, academicians, and civil society representatives from various levels were also present.