Identify river grabbers across the country, JS body asks authorities

A parliamentary body today asked the authorities concerned to identify all persons and organisations who have illegally grabbed rivers across the country and take legal action against them through a consultation group.

The parliamentary standing committee on the shipping ministry also formed a four-member sub-committee to find out problems in recovering the country's grabbed rivers.

The sub-committee headed by ruling Awami League MP Ranajit Kumar Roy was also asked to place a report before the main committee on illegal encroachment of rivers, canals and water bodies.

Ruling AL MP Maj (retd) Rafiqul Islam presided over the meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Three other members of the sub-committee are Dr Samil Uddin Ahmed Shimul, Aslam Hossain Sowdagor and SM Shahjada.

The sub-committee was asked to submit its report following their on-the-ground experience on grabbing of rivers and canals across the country through constructing illegal structures and other means.

The committee discussed in details the overall activities of the National River Protection Commission, its future plan, activities of Bangladesh Marine Academy and the National Maritime Institute.