Bangladesh identifies over 21,000 illegal river occupiers, plans stronger protection laws

Bangladesh is taking steps to reclaim its waterways, with Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam reporting 21,988 illegal occupiers identified on the country's 1,415 rivers. The government is strengthening the National River Protection Commission Act to criminalize river encroachment and pollution, establish dedicated river courts, and facilitate compensation collection.

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Bangladesh has a total of 1,415 rivers, and at least 21,988 illegal occupiers have been identified across the country.

Responding to parliamentary questions, the minister detailed that an updated list of illegal occupiers was compiled on December 23, 2025. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to verify this list and prepare eviction plans. Following these preparations, eviction drives will commence.

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The official list of rivers was published on April 14, 2025, on the websites of the Ministry of Water Resources, Bangladesh Water Development Board, and the National River Protection Commission.

The government also regularly dredges rivers to maintain navigability, which currently extends to 6,200 kilometers in the dry season and 8,000 kilometers during the monsoon. These measures aim to restore the health and accessibility of Bangladesh's vital river systems.

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Amendments to the National River Protection Commission Act, 2013 are underway to strengthen the commission’s capacity.