Bangladesh has been identified as the land of rivers in the past but it is a shame that, with each passing year, we seem to be drifting further and further away from living up to that name.
The unchecked pollution that our rivers are subjected to is well documented -- the Buriganga is the most noteworthy example of it. Not only is this catastrophic to the overall environment and the flora and fauna that depend on the rivers, but causes immense harm to the people who rely on the river for their lives as well as livelihood.
In addition, illegal encroachment upon our rivers has been an issue that the authorities concerned repeatedly fail to address; whether that be sand extraction from rivers or unplanned infrastructure, the end result is always the same -- our rivers suffer and erode, become more polluted, and eventually, disappear.
Not only that, but the subsequent loss of homesteads and agricultural land of local communities as a result of the erosion and pollution of the rivers has become the perpetual reality for these people.
To say that we need to find a solution for this would be a gross understatement. Beyond our own civic duty of trying to minimize river pollution, the onus is on the authorities concerned to identify those who are most responsible for the slow death of our rivers, which are oftentimes powerful and influential individuals and parties out for personal gain at the expense of everyday Bangladeshis and our natural resources.
With all of our economic ambitions, it is important for us to not lose what makes us Bangladesh -- and our rivers are an integral part of our identity.