A mass procession demanding the restoration of the Buriganga River was held in Dhaka today on the occasion of International River Day 2026. The program was jointly organized by the environmental and climate-focused citizens’ organization Dhara, the Organization for Climate Resilience and Environmental Conservation (OCREC), and 19 other environmental and river-based organizations.
At the opening ceremony, the chief guest was Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, former Chairman of the National River Conservation Commission and an advisor to Dhara. The program was chaired by Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of Dhara.
Speaking at the event, Abu Sadat Md. Sayem, Founder and Executive Director of OCREC, said that the activities of river grabbers are far more extensive and aggressive than those of environmental activists. In this situation, he emphasized that environmentalists must work with greater commitment to rivers and the environment and build stronger movements beyond regular programs.
Speakers at the event stated that the Buriganga River is currently facing a severe crisis due to illegal encroachment, pollution, and obstruction of its natural flow. They urged the newly formed government to take urgent steps to remove encroachments and pollution from the river and restore its natural vitality and flow.
The mass procession was organized under the slogan “Save the Rivers, Save the People,” and was attended by various environmental organizations, river activists, and concerned citizens.