Old Buriganga Channel awaits new life 

The old Buriganga Channel in the capital, long plagued by encroachment, waste and pollution, is set for a major cleanup and restoration initiative to revive the waterway spanning nearly four kilometres.
The authorities plan to remove accumulated waste, restore navigability, beautify both banks and construct a public walkway along the channel.

The cleanup campaign was inaugurated on Friday at the Durani Khal area near Section Bridge in Old Dhaka. The initiative is being jointly implemented by the Dhaka District Administration and volunteer organisation BD Clean.

According to officials, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam to remove waste from the channel and restore its environmental condition. Following the directive, authorities have launched the cleanup drive and planned further restoration.

Before the campaign began, the state minister administered an oath to BD Clean members and other stakeholders. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam, Dhaka-7 lawmaker Hamidur Rahman and Dhaka District Commissioner Farida Khanam were present, among others.

The historic channel stretches about 3.2 kilometres. Years of encroachment and indiscriminate dumping have disrupted its natural water flow, causing foul odours, mosquito breeding and waterlogging.

Officials said the channel’s natural flow began deteriorating after an embankment was constructed in 1990 to protect Dhaka from flooding. Encroachment and waste accumulation subsequently worsened the situation. The relevant portion was freed from encroachment during the 2022-23 fiscal year.