‘Nothing else left to grab, so rivers have become the target’

The National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) was formed to protect rivers, but it doesn't have the executive power to punish those who are grabbing and polluting rivers, speakers at a webinar said yesterday.

Non-government organisations Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), Arannyak Foundation, Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Brotee jointly organised the programme titled "Implementation of court order 2019: National River Alliance".

Supreme Court lawyer Manzill Murshid explained the court order. He said the Supreme Court declared the NRCC the legal guardian of rivers.

"The court declared a river as a person and a living entity and NRCC as the legal guardian, so when a river will become polluted, the river can stand as a petitioner; and it's a landmark verdict,"  said the lawyer.

"We have many strong laws and regulations, but the main problem is non-implementation. If we can implement the laws, it's absolutely impossible to even create pollution, let alone grabbing," said Prof Asif Nazrul, a teacher of law at Dhaka University.

Noted jurist Shahdeen Malik said there is nothing left to grab around the country, so rivers are now the prime target.

Chief guest of the webinar, NRCC Chairman Dr Muzibur Rahman Howlader admitted that they have a number of limitations.

"It is true that we do not have any statutory power of implementation, but what we can do is instruct various authorities to enforce the law."

He said authorities do not feel encouraged to take action against grabbers and polluters in many cases, because they are politically powerful and influential. UNOs, assistant commissioners (land), even DCs fear that if they take action against the grabbers, they might be transferred. He asked especially MPs and DCs to exercise their authority to conserve the rivers.

At the event, organisers delivered presentations about grabbing scenario of Khoyai, Tista, Boral, Andharmanik and other rivers.

The webinar was conducted by Sharmeen Murshid, founder of Brotee. General Secretary of Bapa Sharif Jamil, executive vice-president Md Abdul Motin, Naripokkho member Shirin Haque and executive director of Sheba Sayeda Rokhsana Khan attended.