By MD. Ohidur Rahman from Netrokona,
In a unique observance of World Rivers Day, students, journalists, teachers, and activists gathered on the banks of the Mogra River with a poignant display placards bearing the names of 95 local rivers.
Holding hand-written signs, the participants, including madrasa, school, and college students, demanded that all rivers in the Netrokona district be freed from encroachment, protected from pollution, and dredged.
Writer and researcher Saroj Mostafa connected the rivers to the region’s cultural soul saying, “The identity of a community and its culture is tied to its rivers… They inspire our music, literature, and folklore. To kill a river is to kill a culture”.
Journalist Alpana Begem found the children’s participation deeply significant. She said, “Seeing the next generation holding the names of rivers, many of which our predecessors have already erased, is powerful. They are not just holding names; they are embracing the rivers themselves, standing with the dream that these waterways will not disappear.”
