On river protection, the minister emphasised the need for joint efforts by local communities and the government to prevent pollution and illegal encroachment.
He said, “Water is our life, and the lack of it means death. Polluted water also leads to death. We must give the highest priority to protecting rivers, canals, and water resources, and we must come forward to safeguard them.”
Regarding the Teesta Mega Plan, the minister said it would not be implemented in haste but would be undertaken in the national interest and to improve the livelihoods of people in five districts along the Teesta banks.
Mentioning that work on the Teesta Barrage was not completed due to negligence by the previous government, he said three units of the Ministry of Water Resources have been working along the Teesta banks for the last three months. He added that the mega plan would be finalised based on expert advice.
Strongly condemning the murder of Ramisa in Pallabi, Anee said the main accused was arrested within 24 hours of the incident.
He also criticised political parties for putting “pressure” on the government, saying that the level of non-cooperation being shown towards government actions within just three months was not what the nation expected from a responsible opposition party.
Speaking as a special guest at the event, Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon said the natural flow of rivers and canals was being obstructed by illegal encroachment and structures. He called for joint efforts to reclaim and excavate canals.
Shah Israt Azmeri, Chief Executive of the Environmental Innovation and Research Network and Chairman of the Children Watch Foundation, said priority must be given to preventing pollution and illegal encroachment to protect rivers.
She said, “It is not enough to take special initiatives in river management; alongside these efforts, local community engagement must be ensured. Rivers free from pollution and encroachment, together with the active participation of ordinary people, can ensure the sustainable development of our riverine country and environment.”
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