Call for an Integrated Roadmap to Control Pollution in the Buriganga and Turag Rivers

The Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) organised a workshop titled “Controlling Pollution in the Buriganga and Turag Rivers: What We Should Do” on 6 October 2026. The workshop emphasised the urgent need for an integrated and practical roadmap to control pollution, prevent encroachment, and ensure the sustainable conservation of these two important rivers. Farhad Hossain Azad MP, State Minister for Water Resources, attended as the Chief Guest and called for coordinated action among relevant institutions and stakeholders to develop an effective roadmap for river protection. The workshop was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Lutfor Rahman, Director General of WARPO. Md. Monir Hossain, Chairman of the Bangladesh River Foundation, delivered the keynote presentation. Participants discussed the current pollution situation in the Buriganga and Turag rivers, major sources of pollution, river encroachment, plastic waste, solid waste management, ongoing conservation initiatives, and future priorities. Speakers highlighted the importance of short-, medium-, and long-term action plans, stronger public participation, inter-agency coordination, and environmentally sustainable management practices. Asaduzzaman Tohin, President of OAB Foundation, participated in the workshop and emphasised the importance of protecting rivers and the environment through public engagement and collaborative initiatives. His participation reflected OAB Foundation’s commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and building a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable Bangladesh. Rivers are essential to the country’s ecological balance, economy, livelihoods, and communities. Protecting them requires shared responsibility, effective coordination, and practical action from all sectors of society. Save the rivers, protect life, and build a sustainable Bangladesh.