Imtiaz Ahmed , Narayanganj

Beneath the bustling city of Narayanganj, a silent but deadly crisis is intensifying. The Shitalakshya River that surrounds the city is no longer calm or serene — it has become a toxic stream. This poisoned flow is now merging with the Meghna River, threatening the habitat of the prized hilsa fish. Fisheries experts warn that if pollution from industrial waste continues unchecked, hilsa breeding in the Meghna could suffer catastrophic damage.

 Meanwhile, the skies over Narayanganj appear somewhat clearer. Following regular drives, fines, and temporary closures of several factories by the Department of Environment, dust levels in the air have dropped — at least according to city residents. “It was hard to breathe before, but it’s somewhat tolerable now,” said Md. Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Khanpur.

 However, environmental activists express deep concern as no strong administrative action has yet been taken regarding toxic industrial wastewater, particularly from dyeing factories.

 Most of the factories lining the Shitalakshya’s banks are involved in the dyeing and garments industries. Many of them either do not have Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), or if they do, those remain non-functional. As a result, thousands of liters of untreated toxic waste are being discharged directly into the river every day.

 On May 10, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury visited Narayanganj. At the inauguration of a district-led “Green and Clean” campaign, he emphasized, “Narayanganj once had many rivers and canals. We must reclaim these canals to prevent waterlogging. If we want to save Narayanganj, we must first save its rivers. Today, the Shitalakshya has lost its fish. But I believe the people of Narayanganj, known for their resilient spirit, will support the Deputy Commissioner in this mission.”

 Poet Zaman Bhuiyan, president of the local environmental group “Save the River Movement,” said, “Efforts to curb air pollution are indeed commendable. But if we fail to save the Shitalakshya, Narayanganj won’t just be sick — it will become a city of death.”

 A recent study by the Department of Environment reveals that the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels in the Shitalakshya far exceed the acceptable limits. In essence, the water is nearly devoid of oxygen.

 And this toxic stream is not confined to the Shitalakshya alone. Polluted water is flowing into the Meghna River, threatening its aquatic biodiversity. Fishermen from Gazaria and Haimchar report a sharp decline in fish over the past month.

 Saidul Sheikh, a fisherman from Gazaria, said, “We used to catch 10 to 12 kilos of fish overnight. Now, we barely get half a kilo. Sometimes, we pull up rotting fish — you can smell that the water is off.”

 The Meghna River is deeply tied to the country’s food security, especially as a critical hilsa breeding ground. Experts fear that widespread pollution here will have a nationwide impact.

 Advocate A.B. Siddique, president of the Narayanganj Citizens’ Committee, pointed out that while air pollution is being addressed through Department of Environment raids, no significant action is being taken to stop industrial waste from entering the Shitalakshya. Over the past three months, more than 12 factories have been fined for air pollution, yet there is no notable case of strong action against those polluting the river.

 One dyeing factory owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted, “Installing ETPs doubles production costs. Some do install them, but they don’t run them. Without regular inspections, it all stays on paper.”

 A district administration official stated, “We are assisting the Department of Environment. But we still lack adequate manpower and technological capacity to monitor industrial waste effectively.” On the other hand, local environment officials insist that they are maintaining continuous surveillance.

 However, activists argue that mere monitoring is not enough. Alongside building public awareness, factory owners must be compelled to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

 Yes, residents of Narayanganj are now breathing a little easier, but the river — the lifeblood of the city — has turned into a toxic wasteland. And as this poison flows into the Meghna, that river too is nearing ecological death.

 This is not just about air pollution — the entire environment needs to be addressed comprehensively. Otherwise, the air might be saved, but the rivers, fish, and the nation’s food chain will collapse. The river’s poison may be invisible, but it is no less deadly — silently swallowing lives every day.