The Bakkhali River is the lifeline of Cox’s Bazar, and measures will be taken to free it from encroachment as soon as the High Court’s verdict is officially received, said Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser for Labour and Employment and Shipping.
He also announced plans to set up a permanent dredger base and develop the riverbanks into a tourism hub, stressing the need for effective initiatives to protect the river, curb pollution, and resolve dredging challenges.
Dr. Sakhawat made the remarks on Saturday (August 30) after inspecting the Bakkhali River. He was addressing a special coordination meeting at the Hilltop Circuit House conference hall, organized by the district administration in line with the High Court’s order to clear the river of encroachment and pollution.
The adviser noted that while a court ruling had been issued, its implementation would depend on whether it was based on the BS (Bengal Survey) or RS (Revisional Survey) records.
“Last time I visited, I saw some government roads and structures along the riverbank. If the RS survey is enforced, those roads might be removed; but under the BS, they may remain,” he explained.
Highlighting the seasonal nature of the Bakkhali, he said the river swells with mountain runoff during the monsoon but shrinks drastically in winter, creating difficulties for dredging operations. “To solve this, a permanent dredger base is being set up. The district administration has already allocated land, and work will begin soon,” he added.
Criticizing pollution caused by Cox’s Bazar hotels, he remarked, “Fines alone are not enough. Closing down a few hotels would set an example. Paying Tk 2–4 lakh in fines repeatedly does not hurt them, but measures that affect their business will force compliance. If the sea and rivers are polluted, it will cause severe environmental damage.”
Dr. Sakhawat further observed that the river has the potential for boat operations and tourism.
On a separate note, he highlighted security concerns over the Teknaf river port, saying, “Operations there are often halted due to fears of the Arakan Army. This is not merely a local or national problem—it requires support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Ministry of Home Affairs, Coast Guard, and BGB should enhance patrols to resolve the issue.”
The meeting was attended by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin, senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, representatives of government departments, and members of the army, police, and other agencies.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
