Speakers at a human chain marking World Environment Day 2026 in country's southern district of Bhola on Friday stressed the need for adopting urgent measures to protect natural water bodies and prevent the alarming depletion of groundwater.
The human chain was organised by COAST Foundation in front of the Bhola District Press Club. It was participated by civil society representatives, journalists, students, women leaders, and environmental activists.
The speakers noted that Bangladesh, particularly its coastal regions, is increasingly facing irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, waterlogging, and rising salinity. They warned that widespread encroachment and filling of canals, rivers, wetlands, and ponds are destroying natural water retention systems, disrupting water flow, and increasing dependence on groundwater.
They demanded the removal of illegal encroachments from water bodies, strict enforcement of environmental laws, restoration of natural waterways, and implementation of a coordinated national program focusing on nature-based solutions
M.A. Hasan, head of Climate Change at COAST Foundation, emphasized the need to recover occupied rivers, canals, and ponds and to enhance rainwater storage for safe drinking water and ecological balance.
Mir Mosharraf Hossain of Amra Bhola Bashi expressed concern over indiscriminate tree cutting for brick kilns.
Women leader Nurjahan Nila called for strict action against environmentally harmful brick kilns.
