A discussion titled “Expectations from Political Leadership in Protecting Rivers and the Environment” was held today (Wednesday, November 2) at the central office of the Bangladesh State Reform Movement (Bangladesh Rashtra Sangskar Andolon).
The event was chaired by the organization’s Secretary for Rivers, Environment, Climate and Disaster Affairs, Ibnul Saeed Rana, while the keynote paper was presented by River Bangla editor Faisal Ahmed.
Speaking as the chief discussant, the movement’s president, Hasnat Kaiyum, said that safeguarding rivers and the environment is now directly linked to the nation’s survival.
He noted with concern that rivers have become political tools — politics invokes river issues, and river issues inevitably circle back to politics. He stressed that genuine political commitment is essential to protect rivers and the environment, and that the State Reform Movement is working nationwide to convey this message to political parties.
The session was conducted by the group’s Joint Secretary General, Didarul Bhuiya.
Other speakers included Dr. Halim Dad Khan, Zakia Shishir, Anwar Hossain, former secretary Golam Shafik, Shafiqul Islam Khokon, Rafiqul Alam, K.M.A. Jamil, Faridul Islam, Lamia Islam, human rights activist Anwar Hossain, Advocate Sirajul Islam Mamun, Nahid Mia, Nasir Uddin Sheikh, Samiul Islam Rasu, and others.
Speakers emphasized that rivers and the environment are deeply tied to the very existence of Bangladesh, and urged political leaders to take a decisive and leading role. They called for strong action against those involved in river encroachment or environmental destruction.
The meeting concluded with several key proposals, including:
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Making environmental wings mandatory within all political parties.
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Taking strict action against any public representative involved in river grabbing or environmental damage.
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Preparing an accurate list of transboundary rivers and securing Bangladesh’s fair share of water from neighboring countries.
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Banning all illegal foreign fishing nets, including “China Duari.”
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Strengthening oversight of activities of all relevant agencies, including the Environment, Forest, Fisheries, Shipping ministries, the Water Development Board, and the National River Protection Commission.
| Call for Strong Political Commitment to Save Rivers and Environment
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