Dhaka, Sep 23 (V7N) – Syeda Rizwana Hassan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, clarified on Monday that the ilish fish being sent to India is for export purposes, not as a gift, and will generate significant revenue for Bangladesh.

"The government will receive payment for the exported ilish, and it's not a trivial amount," she said while addressing the media during a visit to the damaged Muchapur regulator in Companiganj upazila, Noakhali.

Addressing the environmental concerns, Rizwana criticized the widespread sand extraction from rivers, labeling it as "national banditry." She pointed out that district administrators, motivated by revenue, often approve sand mining zones despite local opposition. "While these zones are declared for mining, they can also be abolished. It's time to reconsider whether river dredging should be controlled by private sand traders or if the government should oversee it," she added.

Rizwana stressed the need for river management to be community-driven, stating, "We are here to understand the issues from the people's perspective. If we view the government and the people as separate entities, no progress will be made. Both must work together to solve these problems."

She further highlighted the alarming impact of river erosion, noting that around 30,000 people lose their homes annually due to erosion, though some estimates suggest this figure exceeds 100,000.

Speaking on the Muchapur regulator's significance in preventing saltwater intrusion, she acknowledged the challenges ahead: "Even if we aim for rapid construction, it will take two to three years. Locals have suggested clearing the sand deposits in the area. The river needs both capital and maintenance dredging, and the government must carefully evaluate the best solution to implement."

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