Eminent poet Farhad Mazhar warned that the government must urgently implement water security measures to prove it is not aligned with fascist forces—otherwise, a protest march for water will be inevitable.
"After the July mass uprising, the government that came to power has not met our expectations. As a result, it has often failed to deliver the benefits of the uprising to the common people," he remarked on Friday afternoon at a human chain and public gathering in front of the National Press Club.
“Every living being needs water,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring free access to safe drinking water at various points across the city.
Farhad Mazhar said: “We want to tell Dr Yunus that we understand his limitations and the political constraints of Bangladesh, and we stand with him 100%. However, there are certain actions he must take immediately—the chief one is addressing water. It is the government's responsibility to ensure access to clean drinking water.
"Water saves lives; it is a fundamental right. This principle must guide the provision of clean water, and there can be no excuses in this matter.”
He continued: "While those who can afford it buy bottled water, what are the poor, penniless residents of the city supposed to do? Where will they get their water? Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for Dhaka’s impoverished communities is urgent.
"In the current situation, buying half a litre of water for Tk20 is simply not feasible for them. Thus, the government must provide clean water free of cost."
Moreover, he said that clean water must also be made available in all institutions, including schools, colleges, madrasas, and hospitals, so that everyone can live a healthy life.
