Staff Reporter :
Environmentalists in the country, while observing the World Water Day on Friday, demanded stern action against the top officials of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority [BIWTA] for illegally leasing the riverbanks and wetlands to unscrupulous quarter violating country’s existing law.
They also demanded immediate cancellation of lease of all riverbanks, including the Buriganaga, Shitalaykkha and Turag, and take effective measures to recover all the leased lands, natural reservoirs and water bodies from the grips of illegal encroachers.
They said the BIWTA has leased a huge quantity of lands on the riverbanks, especially in Dhaka and Naraynganj, to different individuals and business farms though it is prohibited as per High Court order and also resolution of Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Rivers.
The anti-people activities are being done by the high officials of BIWTA along with its chairman in connivance with some dishonest officials of other government organizations apparently ignoring the national interest, they also alleged.
Marking the World Water Day, about 12 environmental and civil rights organizations, including River, Road and Rail Saving National Committee [RRRSNC] arranged different programmes and organised a human chain in front of National Press Club.
Other organizations are, Green Club of Bangladesh, Citizens Rights Movement, Unnyan Dhara Trust, Buriganga bacho Andolon, Nirapod Nou O Sarak Andolon, PEACE, Nadi Rakkha Shapoth, Sammilito Jaladhar Rakkha Andolon, Paribesh Sammato Basjoggo Dhaka Bastabiyan Parisad and Nirapod Noupath Bastabiyan Andolan.
General Secretary of Ganotantry Party Nurur Rahman Selim, CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince, Citizens Rights Movement general secretary Tushar Rahman, among others, addressed the human chain while convenor of RRRSNC Ashis Kumar Dey was in the chair.
