ZCZC
BSS-29
SHAJAHAN-DC-RIVER
DCs asked to take stern action against river grabbers
DHAKA, July 26, 2018 (BSS) – Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan today asked
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to take tougher action against river grabbers and
polluters.
“Nobody is powerful than the government. So, action must be taken against
the people involved in illegal sand collection from the rivers damaging
riverbanks,” he told reporters after addressing the today’s first session of
the three-day DCs conference at the Secretariat here.
Underscoring the need for creating awareness among the people to raise
voice against river grabbers and polluters, the Shipping Minister said:
“River is our life. So, there is no alternative to protecting the rivers.”
He suggested forming human chain and organising cultural functions on the
banks of rivers in this regard.
Blaming that the then government of BNP-led four-party alliance had
destroyed the country’s rivers, Shajahan Khan said re-excavation works of all
the major rivers are underway to restore their navigability.
He said illegal structures are being evicted from the riverbanks while
about 1,500 kilometres of river routes have already been excavated.
BSS/Asg-BKD/SAH/MRI/1734 hrs