Swiss envoy stresses river protection as investment in Bangladesh’s future

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli has stressed the need to protect the country’s rivers, describing them as the “lifeblood of Bangladesh” that sustain livelihoods, agriculture, biodiversity, transport and culture.

The ambassador made the remarks during a field visit organised as part of the Kollolini River Conference, where he explored Dhaka’s rivers, riverine communities and water-management challenges alongside diplomatic colleagues from France, the Netherlands and the European Union.

The visit included observations of pollution and biodiversity loss along the Buriganga River, the challenges faced by communities living along the waterways, and the Sayedabad Water Treatment Intake.

The field visit provided the diplomats with an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the environmental and water-management challenges facing Dhaka’s waterways.

Reflecting on the visit, Renggli said protecting Bangladesh’s rivers is not only an environmental responsibility but also an investment in people, prosperity and future generations.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding the country’s waterways, which play a critical role in supporting communities and the broader economy.

The Kollolini River Conference brought together stakeholders to highlight the importance of river conservation and sustainable water management in Bangladesh.