A Day by the Shitalakshya River: A Story of History, Present, and Emotions.

Hello dear friends,
I hope you all are doing well and spending a beautiful life with your loved ones. I wish you all happiness and peace.

Last year, on this very day, I went with my family to visit the bank of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj. Escaping the chaos of the busy city, walking along the riverbank brought a different kind of peace and joy. The riverside has a fairly good walkway where people often stroll in the evening—some with family, some with friends. The gentle river breeze, the soothing sound of the water, and the sight of ships passing by—all together made our time by the Shitalakshya truly memorable.

However, when we visited, the water level had dropped quite a bit. Every now and then, large cargo ships and trawlers passed through the middle of the river. Watching this busy waterway made it clear how lively the Shitalakshya still is. For the city of Narayanganj, this river has long been a vital lifeline for trade and business. It’s not just for Narayanganj—goods are also transported to the capital, Dhaka, through this very route.

Cargo vessels travel from the Meghna River, cross the Shitalakshya, and then enter the Buriganga River. This connection has made it easy for Dhaka’s industrial zones and Narayanganj’s business hubs to stay linked.

The Shitalakshya River also holds great historical significance. It was around this river that Narayanganj’s industrial and commercial growth first began. Famous jute mills, textile factories, dyeing and chemical plants—all were established along its banks. But behind this development lies a painful truth. Hundreds of factories discharge waste into the river every day, slowly poisoning its life.

During the monsoon season, the river water remains relatively clear. Heavy rains increase the flow, washing away some of the pollutants. But when the rains are gone, the water level drops, and a strong, unpleasant odor begins to spread. The water turns murky, fish populations decline, and the natural ecosystem of the river gets severely disrupted.

Over the years, the government has launched various programs to save this river. Laws have been made to control pollution, some factories have faced action, and drives have been carried out to free encroached riverbanks. But most of these efforts were temporary. No permanent and effective solution has been implemented yet. As a result, the river’s water quality and environment continue to worsen.

Yet, despite all these challenges, the river remains deeply tied to people’s lives. In the evening, many come here to walk, sit by the water, and enjoy the breeze. Some even take boat rides. We, too, spent some time sitting by the river that day. For children, the open space by the river is delightful—they can run around, watch the ships, and learn something new.

Such a visit to the Shitalakshya River is not only a source of entertainment but also food for thought. On one hand, there’s the beauty of the river, its activity, the flow of trade—a pulse of life itself. On the other, there’s pollution, mismanagement, and neglect—a constant reminder of our responsibilities.

A river is not just water; it’s the lifeline of a city. Narayanganj and Dhaka’s trade, transport, and even culture are deeply connected to this river. That’s why we all must become more aware of protecting it. Controlling industrial waste, keeping riverbanks free from illegal encroachment, and improving water quality are not just government duties—they are responsibilities we all share.

Standing on the banks of the Shitalakshya that day, I couldn’t help but think: if one day this river becomes as clear, pure, and full of life as it once was—it won’t just improve trade, but will also transform the beauty, environment, and quality of life of the entire city.