RANGPUR, Sept 26, 2021 (BSS) - Experts, river rights activists and
educationists at a discussion today stressed on becoming more conscientious
to save the rivers and make those pollution-free for better future of the
next generations.

     Terming rivers as the life-line of a nation, they put importance on
creating public awareness about the importance of ensuring uninterrupted
water flow in the rivers to save the ecosystem; improve environment, bio-
diversity, ecology and national economy.

     They viewed this at the discussion organised by Begum Rokeya University,
Rangpur (BRUR) unit of the 'Riverine People' at Heyat Mamud Bhaban of the
university to observe the World Rivers Day- 2021 with the theme 'Rivers for
People''.

     The 'Riverine People' a river rights-based organisation, chalked out
programmes like bringing out a rally followed by the discussion in observance
of the day.

     Professor of the Department of Bengali of BRUR and Director of the
'Riverine People' Dr Tuhin Wadud presided over the discussion.

     Vice-chancellor of BRUR Professor Dr Md Hasibur Rashid attended the
discussion virtually.

     River expert and author of a number of books on rivers Mahbub Siddiqui
as the keynote discussant addressed the event moderated by Associate
Professor Umar Farooque of the Department of Accounting and Information
Systems of BRUR.

     Professor of the Department of Bengali of BRUR Professor Dr Md Nazmul
Haque, Director (Research) of the Rural Development Academy at Bogura Dr
Mehedi Mohammad, Engineer Fazlul Haque and General Secretary of 'Nodi Banchao
Sangram Parishad' Shafiar Rahman addressed.

     Umar Farooque termed the present situation of rivers as miserable and
many rivers do not seem to be rivers at all.

     "So why, we have to work together for saving the rivers as the next
generations will never excuse us if we fail to do so," he said.

     Shafiar Rahman said, "Sources of most of our rivers originate from
neighboring India. There should be enough arrangements so that we can get a
proper share of water from the common international rivers."

     Tuhin Wadud said people of all professions should have to work together
to save the rivers.

     Mahbub Siddiqui said, "Rivers are remaining mixed inseparably with our
life and existence. We must love rivers like mothers to save those for
revival of the ecosystem, improving endorsement, ecology and biodiversity for
our survival."