Khowai River Waterkeeper : March 14, 2017 on the occasion of the ‘International Day of Action for Rivers’, Waterkeepers Bangaldesh, Khowai River Waterkeeper and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) jointly organized an event titled ‘Listen to the story of the rivers, photo exhibition and signature collection campaign to protect rivers’ at Habiganj, Sylhet to observe the day.

A part of a series of programs to support cause of  the ‘International Day of Action for Rivers’, the main theme of the event was to rescue river from illegal filling, encroachment, unplanned and reckless sand extraction, and pollution from the industrial waste. It was held at the Habiganj National Press Club on Monday, where the speakers discussed about the past and present conditions of rivers and people who depend on it. In addition, from the program the organizers demanded the protection of River Khowai, Sutang and old Khowai river from all types of pollution and land grabbing activities. They showed serious concern over the fact that these rivers are really going to disappear within few years. Chaired by Prof Mohammad Ekramul Wadud, President of BAPA Habiganj Branch Md Shafiul Alam, Department of Local Government Deputy Director (Deputy Secretary), attended the event as the chief guest. Among others, Syeda Roushan Sultana, Principal of BIAM Laboratory School, Tahmina Begum Gini, co-president of BAPA-Habiganj, Advocate Mr. Mansoor Ahmed Iqbal and Abdul Munim Chowdhury Bulbul, social worker and engineer were present in the event. Being a key note speaker Tofazzal Sohel, Khowai River Waterkeeper and General Secretary of BAPA-Habiganj, said in his introductory speech that  , ‘‘rivers are always considered as a blessing for us.  Through various literatures, music, drama, film, the story of the river always came up in many ways.  Rivers are the main source of water and lands have been created through the rivers. Rivers are the main inspiration and source of all things including our land, water, biological and aesthetic beauty of our overall environment, economy, trade, transportation, entertainment, etc. If the rivers are not active we would face serious consequences in the long run. Sadly, the rivers are now under the threat of unplanned industrialization, filling and pollution’’.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Shafiul Alam said, ‘‘I hope that one day the old Khowai will be saved. I am urging everyone to come forward to join in restoring the old Khowai river and make a healthy riverine nation’’.

The organizers arranged a public meeting, quiz competition and prize giving ceremony to observe the day. Students, guardians and people from all sectors participated in the program. All the participants gave their signatures on a poster as part of the event and assured to take part in protecting the river. Also hundreds of photos were exhibited drawn by children on rivers and all of them were awarded by prizes and certificate for showing such astounding creativity. Meanwhile, poems on the river were recited by Ajoy Roy, and Gauri Roy. Besides, painter Alauddin Ahmed, journalist Hafizur Rahman Neon, Siddiq  Haroon, Joint Secretary of BAPA , Rotarian Mahmud Iqbal Sumon, Nazrul Alam Chowdhury, Moktadira Hossain, BAPA member, Nazrul Alam Chowdhury , actor Shakila Bobby, Sheikh Osman Gani Rumi and others.

The news of those events were published in some of the national dailies. Please find important links below:

1. http://www.sylhetbarta24.com/news/details/Sylhet/76322?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork
2. http://www.swadeshbarta.com/?p=38685
3. http://m.uttorpurbo24.com/news/details/Sylhet/24304
4. http://bangladeshpress.com.bd/home/details/725.html