News Flash
KHULNA, March 14, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam today said initiatives have been taken to dredge rivers across the country after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assumed responsibility for running the government.
He said the government will restore the natural flow and navigability of rivers adjacent to the Sundarbans, including the Pashur River, by freeing them from encroachment and pollution and through dredging activities.
"The government will make its highest efforts to revive the living entity of rivers and recover the encroached canals," he said.
The state minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a river dialogue titled "Save Pashur River, Save Sundarbans and Save Fishermen's Lives", marking the International Day of Action for Rivers, held at Kanainagar intersection on the bank of the Pashur River in Mongla Upazila today.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a nationwide programme on March 16 for the excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals, water bodies and reservoirs through canal dredging.
Faridul Islam also announced that government ponds in Mongla will be excavated to conserve water and ensure safe drinking water for local residents.
Warning against illegal activities in the Sundarbans, he said legal action would be taken against those who catch fish by poisoning waters in the forest.
"The Sundarbans keeps us alive. No one will be allowed to enter the forest forcefully, and none will escape punishment for wrongdoing there," he added.
Highlighting social concerns, the state minister said drugs are destroying families and society and pushing the younger generation toward decline. He noted that the government is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and narcotics.
He further said distribution of farmer cards will begin from April 14, adding that there is also a plan to introduce cards for fishermen.
"We will work to fulfil the expectations of people in this region, including the introduction of fishermen cards, with your cooperation," he said.
The programme was presided over by Sharmin Akter Sumi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Mongla.
Among others, Nowshina Arif, Assistant Commissioner (Land); Md Refatul Islam, Assistant Superintendent of Police; and Mongla Upazila BNP General Secretary Abu Hossain Poni also spoke.
Leaders of different political parties and local residents attended the event, which was jointly organised by Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Pashur River Waterkeeper, Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHORA) and Sundarban Rokkhae Amra.
Before the programme began, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of those killed in a recent road accident at Belai Bridge on the Khulna-Mongla Highway.
Later in the evening, the state minister attended an iftar gathering organised by the Bagerhat Press Club.
