On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in observance of World Earth Day, representatives from Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Khowai River Waterkeeper conducted a field visit to investigate industrial pollution in Habiganj. The delegation was led by Sharif Jamil, Central Member Secretary of DHORA and Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh. The team inspected heavily polluted waterbodies, including Kharki Canal, Raj Canal, Shailjura Canal, and various parts of the Sutang River such as Katakhali, Sadhur Bazar, Uchai, Rajiura, and Bulla Bazar, as well as sections of the Bolvodra River.
Tofazzal Sohel, Member Secretary of Khowai River Waterkeeper and DHORA- Habiganj, along with local environmental activists and community organizers, were also present during the inspection.
A roadside assembly was held on the bank of the Sutang River at Bulla Bazar. The meeting was moderated by Mohammad Bahar Mia, Executive Member of DHORA- Habiganj. Sharif Jamil, central Member Secretayf of DHORA and the Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh attended as the chief guest, while Tofazzal Sohel, Member Secretary of the Habiganj branch and Khowai River Waterkeeper, was present as the special guest.
Speakers at the event included former president of Bulla Bazar Business Welfare Association Md. Badsha Mia, Vice President of Lakhai Upazila Press Club Mohsin Sadek, Executive Member of Lakhai Press Club Parvez Hasan, Member Secretary of the Citizens’ Committee Sheikh Mofizur Rahman, Convener of Lakhai Youth Forum Akib Shahriar, Joint Convener Abidur Rahman, and Organizational Secretary of Lakhai Press Club Billal Ahmed, among others.
In his speech, Sharif Jamil stated that the people of this region have long been protesting against industrial pollution in Habiganj. A certain vested group, often aligned with successive political governments and benefiting unethically from these industries, continues to perpetuate pollution. He warned that if this pollution is not addressed during the current interim government, Habiganj might face a disaster like the environmentally degraded and endangered areas around Dhaka’s rivers.
Tofazzal Sohel added that a recent study found the presence of microplastics in both the water and fish of the Sutang River. The river’s physicochemical properties have been severely compromised, posing a grave threat to public health and biodiversity in and around the river.
Speakers further stated that the unchecked industrial pollution in Habiganj has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. Livestock, crops, river and wetland fish, and aquatic biodiversity are all under threat. Residents living near the rivers and canals are increasingly suffering from skin diseases, respiratory problems, and other health complications. People affected by the pollution are outraged, and if the government does not take immediate and effective action, the region could face not only environmental and health disasters but also a breakdown in social and law-and-order conditions.
The assembly concluded with a strong call for building a broad-based social movement involving local communities to fight against this industrial pollution and to save Habiganj.
