RAJSHAHI, March 14, 2023 (BSS) - Social watchdogs at a street-corner meeting here today unequivocally called for protecting the existing rivers, including the mighty Padma, through freeing those from pollution and grabbing.

They categorically mentioned that the unabated pollution, contamination and illegal grabbing are posing serious threats to the rivers and demanded immediate action against the malpractices.

Local unit of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Rajshahi Rakkha Sangram Parishad jointly organized the human-chain-cum-street-corner meeting at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point putting forward a set of demands to protect the rivers.

Editor of Daily Sonali Sangbad Liakat Ali, Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hassan Millat, Valiant Freedom Fighter Dr Abdul Mannan, BAPA Members Jamat Khan, Debashish Pramanik, MiZanur Rahman, Dr Hemayetul islam and Selina Khatun, among others, addressed the meeting.

Emphasizing the importance of the rivers for the survival of the region, discussants expect the Padma River will be brought under capital dredging for the restoration of its navigability.

Living and livelihood conditions of many people are dependent on the river which has also influenced the ecosystem and biodiversity in the region. In all the perspectives, there is an urgent need to protect the river.

Liakat Ali said there are immense prospects of carrying goods through the river route after capital dredging of the Padma River.