Riverside people and activists of Begum Rokeya University unit of the Riverine People at a discussion on Saturday stressed on ensuring round the year water-flow in the common international rivers.
They came up with the importance at a gathering, organised by the Riverine People surrounding a boat on the dried-up Teesta riverbed in Kawnia upazila of the district in observance of the International Day of Action for Rivers-2020.
Director of the Riverine People and Associate Professor of the Department of Bengali of Begum Rokeya University Dr Tuhin Wadud presided over the meeting , participated by Riverine People activists, fishermen, farmers and common people.
Moderated by Organiser Sanjoy Chowdhury of the Riverine People, its activists and students of the university Hridi Orjoyeeta, Rawshan Habib, Shuvo Sutradhar, fisherman Farid Mian and boatman Sultan Ali , among others spoke on the occasion.
The speakers said the riverside people and the governments concerned should become more conscientious in saving the common international rivers, including the Teesta, and freeing those from pollution.
They put special emphasis on keeping the rivers alive and pollution-free round the year terming the rivers as the national lifelines for economy, ecology, environment, bio-diversity and heritage.
Local boatman Sultan Ali said plying of boats and carrying of goods by the river-route have been stopped on the Teesta for lack of water flow. Farmer Ayanal Haque said the riverside people want water in the Teesta for their normal living, agricultural activities and livelihoods.
Dr Tuhin Wadud stressed on engaging comprehensive bilateral, regional and international efforts in protecting and restoring all rivers and ensuring better river management to keep those alive.
“Being the next-door neighbouring friendly countries, India and Bangladesh can jointly work to maintain navigability and water flow in the common international rivers, including Teesta, round the year to save the dying rivers,” he hoped.
