People’s active role can protect rivers: Speakers

Praising the High Court verdict that recognised rivers as living entities, speakers at a conference here on Saturday said people should come forward to protect the rights of rivers.

They said people need to be more active to protect the rights of rivers as the High Court judgment alone is not enough to ensure that.

They came up with the observation at the closing ceremony of the two-day 5th International Water Conference 2020 arranged by ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) at Hotel Graver Inn of Kuakata, Patuakhali.

Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University's International Relations department, said, "The law and the court say the rivers are living entities.Such judgment gives people the courage they need."

He further said, "We've got this judgment through advocacy for many years.With this verdict, people will be able to play a more meaningful role in protecting the rights of rivers."

Dr Imtiaz said the change of mindset about rivers is also the responsibility of people."This change will come through research and advocacy. Legislation is not a permanent solution," he added. A total of nine papers were presented in the two-day conference, participated by researchers both from home and abroad.

 

Peoples active role can protect rivers: Speakers

Praising the High Court verdict that recognised rivers as living entities, speakers at a conference here on Saturday said people should come forward to protect the rights of rivers. They said people need to be more active to protect the rights of rivers as the High Court judgment alone is not enough to ensure that. They came up with the observation at the closing ceremony of the two-day 5th International Water Conference 2020 arranged by ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) at Hotel Graver Inn of Kuakata, Patuakhali. Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka Universitys International Relations department, said, The law and the court say the rivers are living entities.Such judgment gives people the courage they need. He further said, Weve got this judgment through advocacy for many years.With this verdict, people will be able to play a more meaningful role in protecting the rights of rivers. Dr Imtiaz said the change of mindset about rivers is also the responsibility of people.This change will come through research and advocacy. Legislation is not a permanent solution, he added. A total of nine papers were presented in the two-day conference, participated by researchers both from home and abroad.