Environment, forest and climate change and water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at a policy dialogue at the North South University in Dhaka on Monday said that safeguarding the rivers of Dhaka required a holistic, nature-centric approach.
She made the remark at the dialogue on 鈥榬eviving Dhaka鈥檚 rivers: policy options for sustainable management鈥� at the NSU鈥檚 Syndicate Hall, which was organised by the NSU South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance in collaboration with the Hussain and Hussain Foundation, said a press release.
Safeguarding Dhaka鈥檚 rivers require a holistic, nature-centric approach鈥攓uick fixes will not prevent irreversible ecological damage, the adviser said, highlighting the Ganges as an example of a successful holistic approach.
She also emphasised the city鈥檚 lack of nature-centric priorities, citing ecological damage from projects like the Chattogram鈥揅ox鈥檚 Bazar Railway.
Supported by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Dhaka North City Corporation, Berky, Daiki Exis and CSD Academy, the dialogue brought together policymakers, academics, industry experts and civil society to develop actionable strategies for river restoration.
The session was chaired by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of NSU.
Special guest Mohammad Azaz, Dhaka North City Corporation administrator, highlighted the restoration of two dead rivers and called for a water-source approach, stressing that biodiversity must be prioritised to build a smart and sustainable Dhaka.
Abdus Samad, associate professor at Jagannath University and adjunct faculty at the NSU, delivered the keynote, presenting research on heavy metal pollution and policy recommendations for sustainable river management.
He revealed that Dhaka鈥檚 rivers, particularly the Buriganga and Sitalakhya, are severely contaminated with heavy metals from untreated industrial waste and weak regulations.
His solutions include establishing a river protection suthority and using economic incentives to encourage cleaner practices.
Professor Md Jakariya, director of the Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Centre, NSU, stressed that river pollution had long-term impacts, requiring integrated policy, behavioural change and community engagement to prevent irreversible damage.
Professor Anupam Hossain, public health and communication specialist, highlighted the dangers of river pollution and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration, emphasising practical, cost-effective solutions involving doctors, engineers, researchers and policymakers.
Professor Mohammed Julfiker Ali, consultant at H and H Foundation, noted that despite knowing pollution sources, gaps in enforcement and policymaking stall action.
Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa, chairman of BIWTA, Ministry of Shipping, emphasised identifying river system impediments and implementing sustainable management, including solid waste control.
Rui Owase, managing director of Daiki Axis Bangladesh Ltd, highlighted, 鈥楳ost river pollution stems from untreated sewage and stressed that solutions must be smart, automated, sustainable, and applied at the source.鈥�
Martin Alkemeier, managing director of Berky Asia Pte Ltd, encouraged taking action rather than waiting for perfection, noting that continuous improvement was more effective than delay.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury stressed that while waste management was often discussed, efforts must target pollution at its source.
He highlighted SIPG鈥檚 policy brief as a roadmap for practical strategies and expressed hope for a more sustainable and vibrant Dhaka.
The programme opened with a welcome speech by M Shafaq Hussain, president and executive director of H and H Foundation, and was moderated by Professor Sk Tawfique M Haque, director of SIPG, NSU.
The dialogue concluded with a call for coordinated action among policymakers, industries, researchers, and citizens to protect Dhaka鈥檚 rivers, improve public health, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure a resilient urban ecosystem.