Bengal was known for its abundance of lush, green forests and rivers. The gigantic rivers with the multicolor sail of boats were the central themes of many poems and art in the region. The small villages that were inhabited along the banks of crisscrossing rivers were the picturesque epitome that defined Bengal.

Our culture, folklore and food habits are inextricably linked to our riverine culture. It is the river that brings precious silts from across the globe to make our land one of the most fertile lands in the world. But unfortunately, our economic and socio-political paradigms have devastated this paradise.

Even the 57 rivers with international transboundary are tottering particularly in the dry seasons. The gigantic rivers such as Turag, Shitalakhya, and Korotoa have turned into small lakes. Bangladesh has turned from “Abde Jannat” (Nation of Paradise) to “Durjog Probon Desh” (nation of calamities).