Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee called on the government, the public, researchers and environmentalists to work together to protect the country's rivers, speaking as chief guest at a World Rivers Day and Mark Angelo River Award 2026 discussion at Pani Bhaban in Panthapath, Dhaka, on Sunday.

Besides stopping encroachment and pollution, he said, the natural flow and biodiversity of rivers must be protected, and rivers should be seen not merely as channels for water but as part of the environment, the economy and people's livelihoods. There is no alternative to conserving rivers and wetlands to cope with climate change, he said, calling for river-centred, sustainable and climate-resilient development plans.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said recognising people who have long worked to conserve rivers and water resources would encourage others to do the same.

Five people and organisations received the award: Save the River Movement Bangladesh vice-president Mahbubul Kabir Siddiqui (writing), river researcher and Riverine People secretary general Sheikh Rokon (research), Jamuna Television special correspondent Sajjad Parvez and Bonik Barta staff reporter Al Fatah (journalism), and Nongor Trust chairman Sumon Shams (organisation).

The event was organised jointly by the Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and the Bangladesh River Foundation and chaired by Prokriti O Jibon Foundation chairman Mukit Majumder Babu. BGC Trust University vice-chancellor Manjurul Kibria, Department of Environment additional director general Solaiman Haider and Bangladesh River Foundation chairman Monir Hossain also attended.

Source: Desh Rupantor