Adviser to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the presence of dolphins in rivers is a direct indicator of human survival, as river health remains essential for life.
“Where dolphins survive, rivers also survive and only if rivers survive can people live,” she said while addressing a discussion organised by the Forest Department in Agargaon, Dhaka on Sunday to mark International Freshwater Dolphin Day.
“Talking about dolphins means talking about our own survival. Because if river water becomes polluted, it is a danger not only for dolphins but for humans as well. Keeping rivers clean is one of the essential conditions for the lives of both humans and dolphins,” she said.
Criticising ongoing pollution in waterways, she said the situation contradicts the country’s self-proclaimed image as a civilised nation. She noted that rising dolphin populations indicate improved river conservation, while a decline shows rivers are being put at risk.
Rizwana Hasan called for psychological and behavioural change alongside legal actions to protect wildlife. “If people are cruel to innocent animals, it reflects a deterioration of social values. Society must stand against this cruelty,” she said.
She expressed hope that a volunteer network would be formed in every district to support the Forest Department, enabling faster wildlife rescue and protection efforts. She thanked those already working voluntarily in this regard.
Chief Forest Conservator Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury presided over the event, where Conservator of Forests Md Sanaullah Patwary, Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and others spoke.
A handbook on Ganges River dolphin conservation was unveiled, along with an educational exhibition focusing on dolphins.
