Wetlands are not only important for our survival but also for our economic development. Wetlands are important source of water, food and fisheries. These are helpful to maintain biodiversity, to control flooding, preserving ground water and also to prevent soil erosion, pollution and climate change. Protection of wetlands is discussed while taking any project but it is not reflected in the implementation process.

On 2 February at  11 am to observe the World Wetland Day, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust , Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA), Save the Environment (POBA), Nagorik Adhikar Shongrokkhon Forum (NASF), Nirapad Development Foundation, Shommilito Joladhar Rokkha Andolon, and Green Mind Society jointly organized a human chain in front of Charukola Institute with the demand to protect wetlands for future generations and sustainable development. After the human chain, the team inspected the well known Nourotno pond behind the Habibullah Bahar College at Baily Road. It was found out that the pond is being illegally filled and a college building is being built. The inspection team demanded government intervention to stop it.

Speakers said that, World Wetland Day is observed every year to maintain biodiversity. With the continuous increasing world population, the demand of water and accommodation is also increasing. The ground water level is gradually going down and the unplanned urbanization is resulting to the fill up of the wetlands. Roads, high rise buildings, industries etc are being built by filling up the important wetlands. In 1978, there were 2, 952 hectares wetlands in Dhaka and surrounding area but the amount decreased to 1,935 hectares in 2014. This rate is alarming. Now it is a threat to the biodiversity and agriculture. Our resource is limited. So to protect and ensure source of pure drinking water, we must protect our wetlands.

Atiqur Rahman, Project Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, moderated the program. Speakers of the program were Ziaur Rhman, Senior Project Officer, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust; Engineer M Enamul Haque, River and Water Specialist; Mihir Biswas, Joint Secretary, BAPA; Hafizur Rahman Moyna, Chairman, NASF; Ibnul Sayeed Rana, Chairman, Nirapad development Foundation and Engineer Abdus Sobhan, Executive General Secretary, POBA. Besides, Shahjahan Mridha Benu, Joint Secretary, BAPA; Amir Hasan, Chairman, Green Mind Society; Dr. Mujahidul Islam, Sundarban Rokkha Foundation; Maruf Hossain, Program Manager, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Abul Hasnat, Modern Club and many more. Wetlands are not only important for our survival but also for our economic development. Wetlands are important source of water, food and fisheries. These are helpful to maintain biodiversity, to control flooding, preserving ground water and also to prevent soil erosion, pollution and climate change. Protection of wetlands is discussed while taking any project but it is not reflected in the implementation process.