They said demarcation of riverbanks is a must to help restore their original shape and ensure adequate flow of water.

The speakers also expressed deep concern over illegal encroachment, siltation and pollution of rivers, especially of those surrounding the capital.

They said, "People will not survive if we fail in protecting the rivers."

The seminar titled 'Demolition of illegal structures on the Buriganga and next course of action' was organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) in association with Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) at the National Press Club in the city.

"We proposed a law for demarcating the banks of all the rivers, but unfortunately the previous government did not pass it. Unless the banks are demarcated as per the CS record of 1912, the rivers cannot be protected," said Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, a member of Buriganga Taskforce, while talking to journalists on the sideline of the seminar.

Presiding over the seminar, Prof Sayeed, also Bapa vice- president, said he would again try to activate the taskforce that was established with the representatives of the ministries of land, shipping, environment, public works and Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) in 2004, and try to strengthen the demand.

Appreciating the government drive for demolishing the illegal structures on the riverbanks, he said besides demarcating the government should immediately make a design on the maintenance of the banks and their beautification.

The BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority), which is now authorised for 111-kilometre-long riverbanks around the city, can do it now without any delay, he added.

Mokhlesuzzaman, former director general of Water Development Board (WDB), said a platform should be established with the authorities concerned to save the rivers.

The land ministry should come forward first in this regard, he noted.

BIWTA Chairman S K Bose said a few measures should be taken immediately ahead of the rainy season.

He suggested that the DCC and Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) should make sure that no garbage is dumped in the Buriganga, while the environment department and industries ministry should ensure that all mills and factories maintain industrial wastewater treatment plants so that river waters are not polluted.

"Demolition of illegal structures is important, but improvement of water quality is more important," said Bose.

He noted that the source of the Buriganga should also be dredged to increase the water flow of the river.

Architect Iqbal Habib in his keynote presentation suggested formation of a taskforce with BIWTA, DCC, WDB, Wasa and concerned professional and civic bodies, which will be entrusted to making a design for the maintenance of Buriganga riverbank.

A project could also be designed in public-private partnership for beautification of the banks as was done in case of 'Dhaka City Beatification' project, he added.

IAB President Mobashwer Hossain said involvement of the locals must be ensured in implementing the beatification, protection and maintenance of the riverbanks.

Columnist Syed Abul Maksud said the proposals aimed at saving the rivers are welcomed, but the authorities must be careful so that no people who are living on the riversides are evicted illegally.

Malik Bila Khan of CEGIS, former WDB Engineer Abdur Razzak, BIWTA Secretary Syed Monowar Hossain, Ward Commissioner Azizullah and Architect Fahim Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.