Rangpur:River activists have called for the identification and official recognition of the country's transboundary rivers, along with ensuring a fair distribution of their waters. This demand was made during a discussion and human chain event organized by the Begum Rokeya University unit of the "Riverine People Club" to commemorate World Rivers Day 2026 at the university's media square on Sunday afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event, themed "No forests, rivers or water means- no life," was presided over by Shamsur Rahman Sumon, a student of the Department of Bengali and Convener of the Riverine People Club. Professor Dr. Tuhin Wadud, from the Department of Bangla and Director of Riverine People, delivered the keynote speech.
Speakers at the event highlighted the need for the identification and official recognition of transboundary rivers and advocated for a fair share of waters from common international rivers. They emphasized the importance of maintaining uninterrupted water flow throughout the year to support the environment, ecology, economy, and biodiversity.
Dr. Tuhin Wadud urged governments to establish equal rights concerning common international rivers and to maintain navigability and adequate natural water flow for their preservation. He also called on the Bangladesh government to ratify the UN Watercourses Convention, which would allow nations to seek justice for water rights through the United Nations.
The event concluded with a human chain and rally south of the university's administrative building. Photographs of transboundary rivers in the Rangpur division were displayed, and Dr. Tuhin Wadud's book 'Nodi Surokhay Dayittoshilota' (Responsibility in River Protection) was distributed to attendees.