The Future of Politics is the Politics of Rivers
At a seminar titled "Rivers Under Fascist Grips," held on October 29 at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in Dhaka, Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam emphasized that the future of politics in Bangladesh is intertwined with the fate of rivers. He highlighted the need for further initiatives on river-centered issues, including water-sharing agreements. Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar stated that river grabbers will be identified as criminals in future policies.
As the chief guest, Farida Akhtar advocated for stronger environmental commitments, stating, “The new constitution will prioritize environmental protection. Development has become a term exploited by fascists who, under its guise, have harmed both our democracy and our environment.”
Akhtar also drew attention to environmental impacts often overlooked, such as the adverse effects of road decorations in haor regions, where paint runoff into water bodies has caused fish deaths. She called for new laws to curb river encroachments effectively.
Special guest Nahid Islam referenced the death of Abrar Fahad, who “sacrificed his life for speaking on river issues.” He urged reflection on ways to address the severe decline in river health over the last 16 years under what he described as fascist pressures. He also announced a national policy would be formulated focusing on rivers, agriculture, and the environment.
“Rivers are integral to Bangladesh’s existence,” Islam remarked. “Our liberation slogans included Padma, Meghna, Jamuna—these rivers represent our identity. With proper urban planning around Dhaka’s four surrounding rivers, we could have created a more citizen-friendly city. Yet, various mafias have encroached on these rivers for profit, disregarding environmental impact.”
The seminar featured a keynote presentation by Mohammad Ejaz, Chairman of the River and Delta Research Center. Other notable attendees included Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, Director General of the Department of Film and Publications; Muhammad Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust; Faruk Wasif, Director General of PIB; and the President of the Teesta River Protection Committee, among others.
