ZCZC
BSS- 17
DAY-ACTION-RIVERS (with picture)
Ensuring round the year river water-flow stressed
RANGPUR, March 14, 2020 (BSS) – Riverside people and activists of Begum
Rokeya University unit of the Riverine People at a discussion today stressed
on ensuring round the year water-flow in the common international rivers.
They came up with the importance at a gathering, organised by the Riverine
People surrounding a boat on the dried-up Teesta riverbed in Kawnia upazila
of the district in observance of the International Day of Action for Rivers-
2020.
Director of the Riverine People and Associate Professor of the Department
of Bengali of Begum Rokeya University Dr Tuhin Wadud presided over the
meeting , participated by Riverine People activists, fishermen, farmers and
common people.
Moderated by Organiser Sanjoy Chowdhury of the Riverine People, its
activists and students of the university Hridi Orjoyeeta, Rawshan Habib,
Shuvo Sutradhar, fisherman Farid Mian and boatman Sultan Ali , among others
spoke on the occasion.
The speakers said the riverside people and the governments concerned should
become more conscientious in saving the common international rivers,
including the Teesta, and freeing those from pollution.
They put special emphasis on keeping the rivers alive and pollution-free
round the year terming the rivers as the national lifelines for economy,
ecology, environment, bio-diversity and heritage.
Local boatman Sultan Ali said plying of boats and carrying of goods by the
river-route have been stopped on the Teesta for lack of water flow.
Farmer Ayanal Haque said the riverside people want water in the Teesta for
their normal living, agricultural activities and livelihoods.
Dr Tuhin Wadud stressed on engaging comprehensive bilateral, regional and
international efforts in protecting and restoring all rivers and ensuring
better river management to keep those alive.
“Being the next-door neighbouring friendly countries, India and Bangladesh
can jointly work to maintain navigability and water flow in the common
international rivers, including Teesta, round the year to save the dying
rivers,” he hoped.
BSS/MI/SKB/ 1845 hrs .