The rivers we are talking about are not in good condition. Due to encroachment, pollution, sand and soil extraction, and various other injustices, these rivers are in a critical state. We must save and protect them. If our rivers are not well, neither will we be. Civilization itself will be at risk.
On the occasion of the upcoming International Day of Action for Rivers, under the theme "Our Rivers, Our Future," a program titled "Speaking for the Rivers" was organized today, Monday (March 10), by Khowai River Waterkeeper and Planeteers Club, Habiganj.
The event, held at the Birds KG & High School premises, was presided over by Khowai River Waterkeeper Tofazzal Sohel. The chief guest was Professor Md. Ikramul Wadud, a retired principal of Brindaban Government College and an environmental activist. The special guest was Nur Uddin Jahangir, principal of Birds KG & High School. The event was moderated by Sajib Chandra Gop, coordinator of Planeteers Club, Habiganj.
Among others who spoke were teachers Sadia Arfin Riki, Kawsar Ahmed, Tulona Deb, Mahmudah Akter, and students Jerin Khanom Swarna, Umme Sadaf Soumi, Oishi Roy Barsha, Tasin Mohammad Nabil, and Saima Akter Srabonti.
Students from different grades showcased banners and festoons featuring the names and visuals of various rivers of Habiganj.
Ninth-grade student Srabonti expressed, "This country is ours, and so are its rivers. But sadly, due to human activities, our rivers are on the verge of disappearance!"
Tenth-grade student Oishi Roy Barsha demanded the restoration of the Old Khowai River and making it suitable for swimming.
Seventh-grade students Swarna and Soumi presented a visual depiction of floods in the Khowai River and the severe pollution in the Sutang River.
In his keynote speech, Professor Md. Ikramul Wadud stated, "The Khowai, Old Khowai, Sutang, and Sonai rivers are essential for preserving the environment and biodiversity of Habiganj. However, I do not see effective efforts to protect them. If the responsible government agencies do not take appropriate actions, the already dire situation of these rivers will deteriorate further in the future."
Special guest Nur Uddin Jahangir called for effective measures to restore the natural flow of Habiganj's rivers.
In his presidential address, Tofazzal Sohel highlighted, "The rivers in this region are in extreme crisis. The Khowai River is at serious risk due to uncontrolled extraction of soil and sand using excavators, dredgers, and tractors. During the monsoon, people live in constant fear of floods. Fish and aquatic life are vanishing from the river."
Speaking about the Old Khowai River, he added, "No effective steps are being taken to free the river from encroachment. Day by day, the extent of occupation and filling is increasing."
Regarding industrial pollution, he noted, "The Sutang River is being destroyed by pollution from factories. Industries are blatantly violating environmental laws, causing extensive pollution. The residents of riverside villages are facing an environmental and humanitarian crisis, which is a direct violation of their constitutional rights."
The event also featured a river-related quiz competition where students actively participated.