PM urges authorities to rid rivers around Dhaka of pollution

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has urged authorities to take responsible action within their own remits to curb pollution and remove waste from rivers, canals and drains around Dhaka, including the Buriganga and Turag Rivers. 

According Assistant Press Secretary Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar, the prime minister issued the directive on Sunday during a review meeting on "Development of Buriganga River Water and Environment and the Circular Waterway Around Dhaka City," held in the Secretariat.

Shahriar said the meeting reviewed efforts to control pollution in the Buriganga, Turag, Dhaleswari, Balu and Shitalakshya rivers and their adjoining canals and drains, remove waste, ensure the rivers' navigability and natural water flow, and develop the existing circular waterway around the capital.

"The honourable prime minister, Tarique  Rahman, urged everyone to act responsibly from their respective positions to leave behind pollution-free rivers and a clean, liveable environment for future generations," he said.

Shahriar added that the prime minister had instructed officials to take effective steps to swiftly implement the plans adopted at the meeting, placing particular emphasis on coordinated action among the relevant ministries, divisions and agencies.

"The prime minister said efforts must be made to leave behind pollution-free rivers and a liveable environment, not just for ourselves but for the next generation as well," the assistant press secretary said.

"For this, we cannot simply wait for government directives. We must also act out of personal responsibility."

Local Government Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan, Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam, Industry and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and  Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie were present among others