Dozens of young climate activists and environmentalists gathered in the capital on Thursday to protest the escalating industrial pollution of the Phuljor and Karatoya rivers in northern Bangladesh. Organized by the environmental group YouthNet Global, the demonstration highlighted the devastating impact of industrial waste on local ecosystems and livelihoods.
The protesters issued a series of urgent demands, including an immediate investigation into industrial waste disposal, strict enforcement of environmental laws, and legal action against those responsible for the pollution. They also called for an end to the harassment of environmental activists working to protect the country’s water bodies.
The 55-kilometer-long Phuljor River serves as a vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people across the Sirajganj and Bogra districts. Activists allege that chemical discharge from several factories—specifically citing SR Chemicals and Majumdar Products, owned by the family of former Bogra-5 MP Golam Mohammad Siraj—is severely polluting the Phuljor, Karatoya, and Bangali rivers.
“The river is our lifeblood,” said Faisal Biswas, a young activist from Sirajganj. “If effective steps are not taken to stop this pollution, we will face an ecological disaster and lose our livelihoods. We will continue our struggle until our rivers are safe.”
In a landmark 2019 ruling, the High Court of Bangladesh declared all rivers as “living entities” with legal rights similar to humans. Under this ruling, polluting or encroaching upon a river is a punishable offense, with the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) serving as their legal guardian.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, emphasized this legal status: “Pollution is destroying our ecosystem. A polluted river impacts the entire country, not just the local area. The youth and local communities are united in demanding accountability.”
Ankita Saha, one of the protest organizers, criticized the authorities for their inaction. “While the National River Commission remains silent, those protesting to save the river are being arrested. Harassing activists for defending a legal entity is unacceptable,” she stated.
The crisis peaked on February 21 and 22, when chemical runoff reportedly turned the Phuljor River toxic, leading to a massive die-off of fish, snakes, frogs, and other aquatic life. In response, human chains and protest rallies were held in Dhangara and Chandaikona by groups including Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and the NGO Nijera Kori.
Following a peaceful protest in front of the factories in Bogra’s Sherpur Upazila, activists claim they were targeted with retaliatory legal action. Police recorded “extortion” cases against several participants—charges the activists describe as fabricated.
Two local residents, Tauhidur Rahman Babu (45) and Ali Reza Biswas (50), were arrested on Sunday night. While they were granted bail by a Bogra court on Monday, several other environmental workers remain in hiding to avoid further police harassment.
Despite these challenges, the activists maintained that their movement would continue. “We are fighting for the environment and for future generations,” the protesters declared, vowing to remain active until a permanent solution is reached.
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