The Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) was recently honored with the Mark Angelo River Award in the organization category. This accolade was presented during the World Rivers Day 2025 Celebration & Award Giving Ceremony in Dhaka, an event jointly organized by the Water Development Board, Bangladesh River Foundation, and the Nature and Life Foundation.
Addressing the ceremony, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stressed that protecting rivers requires united efforts with a single, common purpose, achievable only through political will and public solidarity. She highlighted the deep cultural and historical interlinkage of rivers with the nation’s heritage, stating that their protection is essential for survival.
The Adviser confirmed that the Ministry of Water Resources, with support from various bodies, has prepared a new list of rivers. She noted that the country presently has 1,415 rivers. The Joint River Commission will conduct further research on rivers in the Sundarbans and hilly regions, while missing rivers will be verified and included in the list.
Rizwana Hasan also mentioned that the government is moving forward with comprehensive plans for major rivers like the Teesta and the Ganges. She also briefly touched upon tourism in Saint Martin’s Island, noting that it has been regulated—not completely banned—to protect the nature, biodiversity, and environment of the island.
The ceremony was chaired by Nature and Life Foundation Chairman Mukit Majumder Babu. The event also saw the participation of special guests, including Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Azaz and Water Development Board Director General Md Enayet Ullah.
