A colorful bicycle rally and a discussion meeting were held in the capital Dhaka demanding river protection, pollution prevention, and safe waterways. On Saturday 23 May, the program was organized jointly by ‘Nongor Trust’ and the Bangladesh Bicycle Lane Implementation Council on the occasion of National River Day.
The rally started at 9:00 am from the Buriganga stage at Showari Ghat and ended at the National Press Club. Hundreds of cyclists from various organizations participated spontaneously, spreading public‑awareness messages against river pollution, encroachment, and the insecurity of waterways.
The program was inaugurated by Sumon Sams, founder of Nongor Trust and organizer of the river movement. Aminul Islam Tubbus, president of the Bangladesh Bicycle Lane Implementation Council; Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury Bipu, executive member of the Buriganga Stage National Committee; Rafiqul Hasan, president of Keraniganj United Cyclists; Kaiser Ahmed, executive member of Chawk Bazar Cyclists; and other leaders of cycling organizations were present on this occasion
After the rally at 10:30 am, Nongor Trust hosted a special discussion meeting. Prominent citizens, environmentalists, river researchers, and government policymakers also attended the meeting. Sheikh Rokon, secretary general of Riverain People, presented the keynote paper titled “People‑Centered River Management.”
In his speech as the chief guest, Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Minister of Water Resources, said, “If rivers survive, the country’s agriculture, culture, and economy will survive. Bangladesh is a riverine country; its fate is closely tied to the rivers.” He noted that there are about 1,415 rivers of various sizes in the country, each a living entity. The minister emphasized increasing public participation in river management and adopting realistic projects based on expert advice. Referring to the harmful effects of the Farakka Barrage, he said that nearly 7 crore people in 24 districts face the risk of salinization. To address this crisis, the government is working on the Teesta master plan and the Padma barrage. He also outlined government plans to excavate and re‑excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals, rivers, and reservoirs over the next five years.
In a special‑guest remark, Anisur Rahman Khokon, Member of Parliament for Madaripur‑3, said, “Protecting rivers means protecting the nation’s existence. The government is working sincerely to ensure the safety of waterways.”
Other speakers at the discussion included river researcher Irin Sultana, Mehnaz Parvin Mala, CEO of Cosmos Social Development Organization, Mohammad Alamgir, chief scientific officer of WARPO, and Mihir Biswas, organizing secretary of Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA), along with representatives from various organizations.
Speakers expressed deep concern about waterway safety, noting that over the past 54 years more than 20,000 people have died in various waterway accidents across the country. They said the insecurity of waterways becomes particularly severe during the monsoon season and Eid travel. Recalling the tragic launch disaster on the Meghna River in Chandpur on 23 May 2004, Nongor Trust urged that this day be officially declared National River Day each year.
Environmentalists believe river protection is not merely a ceremonial program but a national duty to raise awareness and engage future generations. They argue that only by freeing rivers from encroachment and pollution and ensuring safe waterways can true respect be paid to the thousands who have died in water accidents.
At the ending of the event, all attendees agreed that “If rivers survive, Bangladesh will survive” is not just a slogan but an ongoing struggle to preserve the nation’s existence.
