BAPA calls for relocation of Rabindra University campus to protect Chalan Beel

The Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) has opposed the construction of Rabindra University’s permanent campus in Chalan Beel, warning it would cause severe ecological damage, block natural water flow, and adversely affect local communities.

At a press conference at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Thursday, BAPA leaders and environmental activists demanded the university be built elsewhere.

SM Mizanur Rahman, joint secretary of BAPA and member secretary of the “Save Chalan Beel Movement”, described the environmental importance of the wetland.

“On one side of Chalan Beel is the Padma, on the other is the Jamuna. During monsoon, excess water from both rivers is stored in the Beel, reducing the severity of floods,” he said. “In winter, the Beel’s water flows back into the rivers, strengthening the current. Within the beel are 47 rivers including Atrai, Baral, Nandakuja and Gumani, 163 smaller wetlands, more than 300 canals, 120,000 ponds, and several large reservoirs.

“Together, they create the water system that sustains the ecology of Chalan Beel.”

He added, “Chalan Beel hosts nearly 105 native fish species, 34 reptile species, 27 mammals, seven amphibians, 34 bird species, and diverse aquatic and terrestrial flora.

“Its rich biodiversity makes it a national treasure, not just for the north, but for all of Bangladesh.”

According to him, over 10 million people directly or indirectly depend on Chalan Beel.

“If Rabindra University is established here, biodiversity will be destroyed, water flow will be blocked, and the lives of local communities will be badly affected,” he warned.

Zakir Hossain, executive director of Nagorik Uddyog, said: “Many universities have been established in Bangladesh in the name of foreign institutions, but there are far fewer named after our great figures. A university in Rabindranath Tagore’s name is our cherished demand, and it should have been done long ago. But it cannot be built at the cost of destroying the country’s ecology.

“The environment advisor is a lifelong activist, so we hope he will ensure Rabindra University is built at an alternative location, not by destroying Chalan Beel.”

BAPA General Secretary Alamgir Kabir criticised the plan, saying: “The vice-chancellor of Rabindra University, being a law professor himself, cannot act against the law. The move to fill 40.47 hectares of land with sand at Buri Potajia, thereby narrowing the river, clearly violates court rulings on rivers and contradicts the 2013 Water Act. Clause 20 of the Act prohibits any structure that obstructs the natural flow of water.”

Humayun Kabir Kajol, research officer of the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), said: “Rabindra University must be built while protecting Chalan Beel, not by destroying it. No construction permission should be granted in the beel under any form of pressure.”

Prof Nur Mohammad Talukder said: “Rabindra University should have been established long ago. We want the university, but not at the expense of Chalan Beel -- the country’s largest grazing land, upon which hundreds of thousands depend. A large share of the nation’s fish and milk comes from this area. We hope the government recognises our reasonable request and designates an alternative site.”

The event was organised jointly by BAPA, Nagorik Uddyog, RDRC and several other environmental organisations.