Rangpur: Leaders and activists of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) unit of the Riverine People on Monday urged for government initiatives to save the rivers of Bangladesh. 

They came up with the observation at a rally arranged by BRUR unit of the Riverine People at the Teesta Railway Bridge point on the Teesta riverbank under Kawnia upazila before observing the International Day of Action for Rivers- 2017 on Tuesday. 

The students of BRUR and Siddik Memorial School and College participated in the rally along with the Riverine People activists and formed human sketches of 'SAVE RIVER' and 'RIVERINE PEOPLE' at the Teesta Railway Bridge point. 

Director of central committee of the Riverine People and Associate Professor of the Department of Bengali of BRUR Dr Tuhin Wadud was in the chair. 

Convener of BRUR unit of the Riverine People and teacher of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems Umar Farooque, teacher of the Department of Mathematics Dr Ruhul Amin and Chairman of Siddik Memorial School and College Ferdous Alam Mukul, addressed, among others. 

The speakers emphasised on comprehensive efforts in protecting and restoring rivers, ensuring better river managements for improving environment, ecology, bio-diversity and existence of the civilisation. 

Terming rivers as the lifelines for ecology, economy, bio-diversity and universal heritage, Umar Farooque stressed on creating adequate public awareness about importance of saving the rivers. 

Dr Tuhin Wadud laid emphasis on strengthening and adequately empowering the National River Commission.