Human chain, river cleanup campaign mark World River Day in Chittagong

In celebration of World River Day, a human chain and plastic waste cleanup campaign took place on the banks of the Karnaphuli River.

Organised by several groups, including Dharitri Rakshay Amra (Dhara) Chittagong, Blue Planet Initiative, and Monthly Pranaprakriti, under the leadership of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, the event aimed to raise awareness and take action against river pollution, according to a press release.

The event, held at the New Fishery Ghat area, saw passionate speeches from environmentalists, activists, and community leaders. Syed Ahmed Badal, an environmental activist, set the tone by urging citizens to play a more active role in protecting the Karnaphuli River. Dhara Chittagong’s general secretary, poet, and writer Sharud Nizam, along with Lions District Governor Lion Kohinoor Kamal MJF, emphasised the importance of maintaining rivers as vital natural resources.

Addressing the crowd, environmentalist Anisur Rahman Babul stressed the value of rivers as Bangladesh’s national wealth, calling for unified efforts to safeguard these water bodies. He criticised the inadequate sewerage systems in Chittagong, warning that without improvements, the pollution of Karnaphuli would continue to worsen, threatening the river’s future.

Another environmental advocate, Lion Obaidur Rahman, highlighted the pressing issue of river navigation loss and poor drainage management. Meanwhile, Dr Iftekhar, a local citizen, appealed for greater public awareness and responsibility, asking people to stop dumping rubbish into the river.

Professor Iqbal Sarwar from the Chittagong University Department of Geography pushed for zero tolerance on plastic use, while freedom fighter Professor Idris Ali urged everyone to act now to save rivers, saying that the survival of Bangladesh depends on the health of its waterways.

In her presidential speech, Lions District Governor Lion Kohinoor Kamal linked recent floods to the mismanagement of rivers and canals, along with rampant plastic use.

The event concluded with a performance by Avi Kimbel and his band, followed by a hands-on cleaning drive along the Karnaphuli River. Locals and sailors joined the effort, enthusiastically participating in the cleanup and receiving applause for their contribution.

This World River Day celebration in Chittagong not only underscored the critical need to protect rivers but also highlighted the collective will of the community to preserve their natural resources for future generations.