Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Nov 12, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) here today demanded protecting the existing rivers, canals and other water bodies from illegal occupation and pollution for environmental balance in the region, particularly the vast Barind tract.

It has also demanded excavating all the derelict rivers, canals and wetlands to enrich the surface water resources.

To press home the demand, BAPA local unit members submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter at her office to send it to the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

BAPA National Committee member Jamat Khan, local unit president Engineer Mahmud Hossain, Vice-president Jewel Kibria, General Secretary Selina Begum, advisers Mamun-or-Rashid and Advocate Shafiqul Islam were present on the occasion.

Talking to BSS on the issue, Jamat Khan said the Padma River in Rajshahi has become a victim of illegal encroachment and pollution, as solid waste — such as broken tiles and discarded concrete pieces — is being dumped along its banks.

 He also noted a decline in fish diversity due to river encroachment, indiscriminate fishing, the use of illegal fishing gear, agrochemical contamination, and plastic pollution.

 Khan added that liquid waste has already destroyed the aquatic biodiversity of the Baranai River, which flows adjacent to the city, emphasizing that no solid or liquid waste should be dumped into the river, as it is prohibited by law.
 
Liquid waste mixes with water, depleting biological oxygen levels and endangering aquatic life.

 He noted that the liquid waste entering the Padma through the city’s sluice gates is especially harmful in the Dargapara area, worsening water pollution and threatening aquatic biodiversity.
 
Pollution has already impacted the Baranai River in Paba Upazila, where aquatic biodiversity has been severely damaged.
 
Jamat Khan said: "Plastic waste and polythene bags are the most harmful pollutants in the Padma River. Unfortunately, campaigns to reduce polythene usage have yielded little success."
 
He warned that if river pollution and encroachment are not addressed immediately, they will have devastating effects on the livelihoods of people in the Barind Tract.
 
"If immediate action is not taken, the people of the Barind Tract will face severe consequences," he added.