PM Directs Swift Action Tackle River Pollution Around Dhaka
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities to swiftly prepare and implement a comprehensive action plan to prevent pollution in the rivers surrounding Dhaka, including the Buriganga. He issued the directive during a meeting on the “Water and Environmental Development of the Buriganga River” at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat at 9:30 am on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The meeting reviewed the environmental condition of the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Shitalakshya and other rivers around the capital. Participants discussed the major sources of pollution, existing challenges and long-term measures needed to restore the rivers. Untreated industrial waste, inadequate sewage and drainage systems, declining canal navigability, and weak solid waste management were identified as the main causes of river pollution.
The meeting stressed the effective operation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in industrial units, improvements to canal and drainage systems, regular drives against polluters, and the strict enforcement of environmental laws. It also emphasized stronger coordination among relevant agencies, greater public awareness, and active citizen participation in river conservation.
The PM instructed the Department of Environment, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Dhaka WASA, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Rajuk, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, district administrations, and other relevant agencies to work in close coordination. He also directed authorities to involve environmental groups, voluntary organisations, educational institutions, and local communities in implementing the plan.
The meeting decided to establish an inter-agency coordination committee under the Prime Minister’s Office to prepare and implement a coordinated, time-bound action plan to tackle river pollution around the capital. The committee will oversee coordination among the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, regularly review progress, and submit reports to the Prime Minister’s Office.
