The initiative titled “Floating Market in Exchange for Waste” was formally inaugurated at Sowarighat Launch Ghat on Saturday morning to combat pollution in the Buriganga River and raise public awareness regarding waste management.
According to a press release issued by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), the programme is a joint venture between DSCC and Bidyanondo Foundation.
Under the initiative, a decorated launch has been converted into a temporary floating market, where essential daily commodities are given as gifts in exchange for waste collected along the banks of the Buriganga River and deposited at the facility.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony, DSCC Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam noted that ancient Dhaka was established on the banks of the Buriganga, which served as the primary foundation for business, trade, and communication.
He said that illegal encroachment and indiscriminate dumping of waste have endangered the river’s existence, adding that the future will be dark if the river cannot be saved. He said that while all problems facing the Buriganga may not be resolved in a single day, the initiative aims to convey a message of awareness to riverside residents, traders, and the general public.
The DSCC administrator further said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, since assuming responsibility for governing the country, has placed special emphasis on making the rivers surrounding Dhaka — namely the Buriganga, Dhaleshwari, Shitalakhya, Balu, and Turag — navigable for river transit. Directives have already been issued to the relevant ministries to revitalise these rivers.
Additionally, the administrator informed that a special three-month programme focused on cleanliness and dengue prevention has been announced by the DSCC. Along with daily cleanliness drives across all 75 wards, a special operation will be conducted every Saturday.
He warned of strict action against duty-bound workers for any negligence, alongside continued legal measures through mobile courts wherever Aedes mosquito larvae are detected.
Dhaka-7 Member of Parliament Hamidur Rahman attended the inauguration as a special guest. The ceremony was also attended by DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Khaybar Rahman, Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, along with senior officials and local dignitaries.
