Habiganj is facing a severe crisis caused by industrial pollution, which has severely impacted local communities and the environment. Yesterday, Dhara (Dharitri Rokhai Amra) and Khowai River Waterkeepers conducted an inspection and organised a public meeting in the Satparia area of Madhabpur upazila to address the escalating situation.

The inspection team, led by Sharif Jamil, member secretary of Dhara and coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, observed alarming levels of pollution in Rajkhal and surrounding villages.

They said the contaminated water has led to the death of livestock and destruction of crops, creating a significant humanitarian crisis for four villages. The pollution is spreading further through the Balbhadra river to the Meghna, exacerbating the disaster.

Sharif Jamil said no industrial factory is legally permitted to discharge untreated waste into natural waterways or open spaces. He called for immediate action, urging the interim government to address the crisis without delay.

"The people's grievances have reached a breaking point. It is time for everyone to take action and protest against this industrial pollution," he stated. Local residents, including Abdur Noor, Abdur Rouf, Md Azdu Shah, former teacher Abu Yusuf, Motaher Hossain, Md Oli Mia, and Mostu Mia, shared their experiences during the meeting.

They spoke of the devastating impact on their lives and livelihoods, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to this ongoing environmental and humanitarian disaster.