Nov 01, V7N- qSyeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environmental, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, emphasized the critical importance of protecting Bangladesh's canals and rivers, declaring them national assets that must remain free from pollution and encroachment. She made these remarks at the national launch of a canal cleaning drive across 64 districts, held at the Tri-Mohini Eidgah ground in Rampura. The drive, which aligns with efforts to keep Bangladesh's waterways clean, will officially run until November 15, but long-term local committees will be established to maintain cleanliness and prevent pollution.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain inaugurated the canal cleaning initiative at the Rampura-Zirani canal as part of National Youth Day 2024. Rizwana Hasan called on the youth and volunteers to embrace the responsibility of preserving these waterways for future generations, adding that delivering a cleaner environment would be a significant accomplishment for the nation.

Youth and Sports Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Jahidi presided over the event, which included other distinguished officials such as Water Resources Secretary Nazmul Ahsan and Dr. Gazi Md Saifuzzaman, Director General of the Department of Youth Development. The event concluded with an oath ceremony where youth volunteers pledged their commitment to keeping canals pollution-free.

The Dhaka canal cleaning drive attracted around 700 volunteers from BD Clean, Nongor, and other youth organizations under the Department of Youth Development. Local government bodies, administrative officials, city corporations, the BIWTA, the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the Forest Department, and the Fire Service also took part, demonstrating unified community efforts to protect Bangladesh's waterways.