Industrial and organic waste are responsible for 80 per cent of the total pollution in the Buriganga River.
Of the figure, 55 per cent of the pollution is caused by industrial waste, dyes, chemical waste, and heavy metals, while the remaining 25 per cent originates from organic waste, pathogens, and ammonia.
Experts shared these findings during an exchange meeting with industry owners titled “Curbing river pollution caused by waste falling from the Turag and Buriganga rivers around Dhaka and river-connected canals,” held at the Department of Environment (DoE) in Agargaon on Thursday.
The session focused on the current pollution levels of the Buriganga, Turag, and Dhaleshwari rivers and discussed necessary control measures.
Presenting the keynote paper, Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal said industrial waste, sewage, and plastics are the primary pollutants of the Turag, leaving its ecological state in a critical condition.
He noted that the Buriganga is in an extremely critical state due to pollution from tanneries, industrial and market waste, sewage, oil, and black sludge, while the Dhaleshwari remains at high risk due to industrial waste, heavy metals, and microbial contamination.
The data revealed a dire picture of the Buriganga’s water quality, with Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels measured between 1.70 and 2.68 mg/litre, significantly lower than the ecologically required minimum of 5 mg/litre.
This oxygen deficiency poses a severe threat to aquatic life and the natural ecosystem. Furthermore, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) was recorded between 10.67 and 13 mg/litre, whereas the desired level is below 3 mg/litre.
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels were found to be between 31.56 and 53.44 mg/litre, far exceeding the maximum desired limit of 5 mg/litre.
In addition to waste, the rivers face challenges from encroachment, the filling of banks, siltation, and the narrowing of connected canals, all of which obstruct natural water flow and prevent polluted water from clearing quickly.
Addressing the event as the chief guest, Abdul Awal Mintoo, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasised that while businessmen are responsible for creating national wealth, the government is tasked with protecting the environment.
He stressed the need for coordination and warned that action would be taken against industries that do not have Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) or those that fail to operate them properly.
Sheikh Faridul Islam, State Minister, remarked that simply cleaning the main parts of the river is insufficient; authorities must identify and address the sources where waste enters the water. He also called for ensuring transparency and accountability in these efforts.
During the discussion, industrial entrepreneurs highlighted the importance of developing infrastructure for waste treatment alongside operating ETPs.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), stressed the necessity of establishing Central Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) in industrial zones.
Business representatives also raised allegations of corruption and a lack of cooperation from various ministries and government departments. They demanded the withdrawal of VAT on equipment used for ETPs and environmental protection, while calling on the DoE to play a more responsible and effective role.
Representatives of environmental organisations argued that permanent improvement of the Buriganga, Turag, and Dhaleshwari rivers is only possible if the entry points of industrial and sewage waste are completely closed.
