Move to fill up upper end of Begunbari canal protested

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) forms a human chain near the Panthkunja Park in the city yesterday demanding cancellation of a decision to construct a commercial complex in Karwan Bazar area by filling up the upper end of the Begunbari canal. PHOTO: STAR

The water body to the south of Sonargaon Hotel has already turned into an underground drainage and it is now threatened by such a move, they said, adding that the Rajuk has taken such a step at a time when all concerned are trying to recover different canals from the encroachers.

They also called for a proper plan to turn the area into a natural water reservoir and water flow area through afforestation and natural treatment of waste water.

The Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) formed a human chain near the Panthkunja Park to press for their demand. Representatives of different organisations such as Seba, Peace, Sundar Jiban, Sylhet District Development Action Council and Nagorik Sanghati also joined the demonstration.

Renowned economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, president of Bapa, said that setting up commercial complex may provide short-term benefits, but it will create a disaster in the long run.

He called on all to remain alert to 'intellectual corruption' in the development process.

He also called for taking initiative on an urgent basis to save the rivers around the city.

The speakers demanded that the government build the city in a planned way in line with the 'Dhaka Metropolitan Master Plan 1997' and 'Open Space and Water Body Law 2000'.

Bapa vice-president Prof Nazrul Islam, General Secretary Mahidul Huq Khan, Buriganga Bachhao Andolon President Mihir Biswas, Syed ANM Wahed, JK Baral, Iqbal Habib, Dr Mahbub Hossain, Ruhin Hossain Prince, Dr Nuruddin and Advocate Abed Raja also spoke.