RANGPUR, March 14, 2018 (BSS) – Leaders of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) unit of the Riverine People at a discussion today called for saving the rivers by ensuring water-flow round the year to reduce the negative impacts of climate change.
They came up with the call at a discussion arranged by the Riverine People at Siddik Memorial School and College (SMSS) ground near the university campus to observe the International Day of Action for Rivers- 2018.
The Riverine People organised the bicycle rally, discussion and oath- taking ceremony in observance of the day.
Director of the Riverine People and Associate Professor of the Department of Bengali of BRUR Dr Tuhin Wadud presided over the discussion. Convener of the Riverine People for BRUR unit and Assistant Professor of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems Umar Farooque moderated the discussion.
Assistant Professor of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems of BRUR Ashan-uz-Zaman, Chairman of Siddik Memorial School and College Ferdous Alam and number of students, addressed.
The speakers put emphasis on engaging comprehensive efforts by all concerned in protecting rivers, ensuring better river managements to keep those alive for improving ecology and bio-diversity amid changing climate patterns.
Umar Farooque said, “Rivers are the lifeline of our economy. Bangladesh’s economy, development and growth are directly influenced by the major rivers.” He called for creating social awareness about importance of saving the rivers and keeping those free from pollution.
Dr Wadud laid emphasis on strengthening and further empowering the National River Commission so that they can take necessary decisions for greater national interests. By ensuring proper river management system, we can reap maximum benefits from the rivers (by) utilizing the silt and reclaiming more land.
He called upon the governments of Bangladesh and India to establish equal rights on the common international rivers and maintain navigability and adequate natural water flow round the year to save the rivers.
Later, leaders and activists of the Riverine People participated in a seven-kilometre-long bicycle rally from SMSS to the Ghaghot riverbank on the outer edge of the city and took oath there for saving rivers.