He made the call while speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting held on Sunday at Pani Bhaban in Panthapath, Dhaka, on the occasion of World Rivers Day and the Mark Angelo River Award-2026. Nature and Life Foundation and Bangladesh River Foundation jointly organized the event.

The minister said that along with stopping river grabbing and pollution, the natural flow and biodiversity of rivers must be protected. Rivers must not be seen merely as a means of water flow, but must be considered an important part of the environment, economy, and people's livelihoods.

He said there is no alternative to protecting rivers and wetlands to tackle the impacts of climate change. The government is taking necessary steps to keep rivers safe and alive for present and future generations.

At the event, the Mark Angelo River Award-2026 was given to five individuals and organizations in the writer, research, journalism, and organization categories for their contributions to the conservation of rivers and water resources.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad and representatives of various individuals and organizations were present at the event.