The country’s rivers cannot be freed from pollution due to “many limitations”, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has said.

He was replying to questions from journalists at Rajshahi Divisional commissioner’s office premises today before attending a divisional workshop on a study on Atrai, Ichhamoti, Boral, Mohanonda and Punarvaba rivers.

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He added that the upazila-, district- and divisional-level committees are working to free the rivers from illegal occupants.

Praising the media for its role in exposing river grabbing and pollution, the state minister said, the government became able to recover many rivers following media reports.

Replying to another question, Khalid said a project of establishing a riverine route between India and Bangladesh is in progress.

Mentioning that reviving the country’s rivers is one of the top agendas of his government, he called upon all to create awareness for protecting the rivers.