Fisheries Advisor Farida Akhtar Expresses Concern Over River Damage Caused by Padma Bridge

Staff Reporter | May 13, 2025

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar has questioned whether large bridges constructed over rivers in the name of development are causing harm to these water bodies.

She stated, “Isn’t the Padma Bridge damaging the Padma River? The Jamuna has already been harmed. Now we’re hearing about plans for another bridge over the Arialkha River from Barishal to Bhola. Damaging rivers in this manner is unjust.”

She made these remarks as chief guest during the closing and award ceremony of the 6th Interfaith Harmony Debate Festival 2025 held at Dhaka University’s Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on Tuesday afternoon.

This year’s debate topic was “Rivers and Religion in the Evolution of Civilization.”

Farida Akhtar commented, “Rivers drying up, dying or disappearing are all consequences of unethical actions. The stench from Buriganga River is so strong that passengers can barely tolerate it during trips to Barishal or Bhola by launch, yet local residents live in these conditions daily. River pollution is destroying aquatic life. Protecting rivers and river ecosystems is particularly the responsibility of younger generations. Rivers aren’t just natural beauty – they’re intricately connected to biodiversity and human life.”

Keynote speaker and river researcher Sheikh Rokon said, “All religions consider rivers sacred and important. Rivers serve as common ground for interfaith unity. As carriers of civilization, rivers have transported culture and religion across generations. Just as Brahmaputra connects Tibet and Bengal, the Ganges links North India and Bengal.”

He added, “Religions spread throughout this region via river routes. Hazrat Shah Jalal came to Sylhet, Shah Makhdum to Sirajganj and Sultan Mahisawar to Pundranagar (present-day Bogura) using river pathways. That’s why all religions emphasize river conservation.”

Special guest Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha remarked, “Rivers are blessings for us. As a religious nation, connecting rivers with religion represents excellent thinking. More research and initiatives should focus on this.”

The event was chaired by Asma Sultana Liza, President of World Religions Debating Club. Participants included World Religions and Culture Department Chairman Professor Dr. Abu Sayem, Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Center Director Professor Dr. Mohammad Ilias, and History Department Associate Professor Dr. Shahidul Hasan. The program was moderated by club General Secretary Nooruddin Muhammad.

Thirty-two debate teams from universities across Bangladesh including Dhaka University participated in the festival. The champion was Bangladesh Agricultural University’s Veterinary Science Faculty debate team, with Dhaka University Law Department debate team as runner-up.