A human chain was held in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday demanding immediate steps to restore river navigability and promote renewable energy to protect rivers and the environment.
The programme was organised jointly by Dharitri Rokkha Amra (Dhara), Sobujayan Rokkha Amra (MK) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh at the Kalarmarchhara Food Godown Ghat on a branch of the Kohelia River, marking World Rivers Day.
The event was chaired by Md Kaisar Hamid, coordinator of Dhara and member secretary of Sobujayan Rokkha Amra (MK). Journalists, social workers, businesspeople, fishermen, salt farmers and local residents attended the human chain.
Speakers alleged that unplanned mega projects along the coast and riverbanks have reduced river navigability, while industrial waste has contributed to water pollution, siltation and illegal encroachment.
They said the degradation of rivers has affected fishermen and other people whose livelihoods depend on waterways, leaving many local residents economically vulnerable.
The speakers also warned that continued river degradation could worsen environmental and ecological problems and increase the impacts of climate change.
They called on the government to take immediate measures to restore river navigability and expand renewable energy initiatives to protect rivers and coastal ecosystems.
