Dhaka, 20 October 2023: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has vehemently condemned the abrupt removal of the Chairperson of the National River Protection Commission. In a press statement, TIB said such a move undermined the government's commitment to safeguarding the nation's rivers.
TIB asserts that while the government possesses the authority to dismiss the chairperson, the way this action was executed raises troubling questions about its underlying intentions. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, expressed concerns, stating, "Despite being a statutory entity, the National River Protection Commission has been rendered powerless by legal barriers. The commission is restricted to offering advice to the government and cannot take punitive actions against those encroaching on or polluting rivers. Moreover, the government is not obliged to act upon the commission's recommendations. Nevertheless, reinforcing the commission's capabilities is a must to secure the lives and livelihoods of the countrymen."
Amidst these limitations, citizens saw a glimmer of hope when the recently ousted chairperson of the commission courageously confronted river encroachers, according to Dr. Iftekharuzzaman. He said, "For a brief moment, we witnessed a consensus in the battle to protect our rivers. This was a rare instance where the commission effectively identified those responsible for encroachment, destruction, and pollution of our vital waterways."
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman mentioned that such steps by a commission that was historically ineffective renewed hopes among the public. He added, "People began to believe that the government would finally act upon the Commission's allegations and bring perpetrators to justice. However, the stark reality has proven different; the commission's chairperson was forced to step down. This ousting only deepens fears that the government may be attempting to shield individuals from being held accountable for their crimes. Media reports suggested that the chairperson was removed in the name of 'public interest.' Is shielding vested interests now considered public's welfare?"
TIB believes the government's actions have far reaching consequences. Countries worldwide are designating rivers as living entities, which was also upheld in a verdict by the Bangladesh High Court. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman highlighted this, saying, "We are heading in the opposite direction. It does not stop with the impunity of river encroachers, now, steps are in place so that no one can expose their crimes. We wish to believe that the Honourable Prime Minister's commitment to the rule of law extends beyond political rhetoric. We urge the government to reevaluate its detrimental stance and ensure that river encroachers and polluters face exemplary punishment. The government's responsibility lies in safeguarding the welfare of the state and its citizens, not in shielding influential quarters," Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said.
