Pollution of the Buriganga

This weekend, while going from Dhaka to Barishal in a water vessel, I had entered the washroom to clean my face and hands. But I could not wash my face due to the odour that was emanating from the water. I took a bottle full of mineral water and used that instead.

I asked the vessel management about the water. They said that this water is not for washing face and hands. They informed that this water has been extracted from the Buriganga. This water is used in the washrooms of the water vessels. But I do not think anyone would want to use this water under any circumstances given the stench that was coming from it.

I realised then why I had smelled a similar stench as soon as I had come close to Sadarghat that morning.

The launch manager informed that the passengers should use the water for washing hands and face that would be extracted from river Meghna in a few hours. It is well-known that toxic waste, being dumped by factories into the river Buriganga, is polluting it.

A few days ago the Prime Minister had asked industrialists to stop dumping toxic materials in the Buriganga, Turag and Shitalakhya rivers.

The concerned authorities should take necessary steps to save all the rivers of Bangladesh from pollution.

Md Zillur Rahaman

Satish Sarker Road

Gandaria, Dhaka

[email protected]