PM issues one-month ultimatum to prevent River pollution

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed relevant authorities to formulate an integrated and realistic action plan within one month to free the rivers surrounding the capital city of Dhaka from pollution. He also stated that this initiative, starting in the capital, will be expanded to other rivers across the country in phases.

During a meeting on protecting the water and environment of the Buriganga River held on Thursday, August 6, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of strictly enforcing the operation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in industrial units, taking stern legal action against polluters, and ensuring coordinated efforts among all related agencies.

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Following the meeting, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam briefed journalists, stating that agencies have been instructed to submit a clear action plan to the Prime Minister within the next month. The plan will identify pollution sources, outline necessary control measures, assign organizational responsibilities, and set implementation timelines.

The initiative aims to improve water quality and restore ecological balance not only for the Buriganga but also for surrounding rivers, including the Turag, Balu, and Shitalakshya.

Factories discharging untreated liquid waste into rivers will face strict penalties under existing laws, particularly those failing to operate their ETPs properly. The government is taking long-term measures to address river pollution as a national priority to prevent severe harm to public health, biodiversity, agriculture, and urban living.