Environmental groups in Habiganj have called for immediate action to free the Sutang and Khowai rivers from encroachment and stop the pollution harming the district's waterways.

They made the call during a human chain organised at the local town hall today, bringing together a diverse group of speakers, including environmental activists, local leaders, and citizens from different walks of life.

The events were organised by the platforms Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhora), Khowai River Waterkeepers, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

Prof Md Ikramul Wadud, president of the presidium of Dhora's Habiganj branch, chaired the gathering.

Speakers said the Khowai river must be freed from encroachment and its natural beauty restored.

Delivering the keynote address, Khowai River Waterkeeper Tofazzal Sohel said, "We must stop the dumping of industrial waste into the Sutang river and its canals, halt unplanned sand extraction from Khowai and Sutang rivers."

"As citizens, it's our collective responsibility to speak out against climate change, water body encroachment, and pollution," said Ayesha Akhter, director of the platform Prakritojon.

Participants also called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws and demanded that those responsible for pollution and encroachment be held accountable.

Speakers included Advocate Mansur Uddin Ahmed Iqbal, founding president of the Habiganj Press Club, freedom fighter Mohammad Ali Momin and a host of environmental advocates including Abdul Hannan, Tanvir Ahmed, Sarwar Hossain, Md Shahin Chowdhury, and playwright Siddiqui Harun.