Published: 11:14 PM, 19 September 2026
Floating market launched in exchange of waste at Swarighat
A unique initiative titled “Floating Market in Exchange for Waste” has been launched jointly by the DSCC and Bidyanondo Foundation to help free the Buriganga River from pollution and raise public awareness about waste management.
The programme was formally inaugurated at the Sadarghat Launch Terminal in the capital on Saturday, BSS reports.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam said that the ancient Dhaka grew up on the bank of Buriganga, serving as the main foundation of trade, commerce and communication.
“But today, the existence of the river is under threat due to illegal encroachment and indiscriminate dumping of waste. If we fail to save this river, our future will be bleak,” he said.
He said all the problems facing the Buriganga could not be resolved in a single day, but the initiative would help to convey the message of environmental awareness to riverside residents, traders and the general public.
He further said that since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office, special emphasis had been placed on making the rivers surrounding Dhaka including the Buriganga, Dhaleshwari, Shitalakkhya, Balu and Turag navigable.
Relevant ministries have already been instructed to take measures reviving the rivers, he added.
The DSCC administrator also announced a three-month special campaign for cleanliness and dengue prevention. Cleaning activities will be conducted daily in all 75 wards, while special drives will be carried out on every Saturday.
He said strict action would be taken against the officials found negligent in their duties. Legal action through mobile courts would also continue wherever Aedes mosquito larvae are found.
Outlining plans to turn waste into resources, Abdus Salam said initiatives are underway, under the prime minister’s directives, to recycle waste and produce electricity, gas, compost fertilizer and diesel.
“We hope to reach the initial stage of these activities within the next few months. Once waste is turned into resources, it will no longer remain scattered here and there,” he said.
Emphasizing on public awareness to prevent dengue and chikungunya, he said the spread of dengue often increases because of people’s negligence.
He urged the people to ensure that water does not remain stagnant for more than three days in coconut shells, air-conditioner outlets, rooftops or drains.
He also called on the citizens to support efforts to build a clean city instead of undertaking activities that cause public inconvenience.
At the inaugural event, waste scattered along the banks of the Buriganga was collected and brought to the DSCC’s temporary floating market. In exchange, participants received essential household goods as gifts.
A launch was decorated and converted into the temporary floating market for the programme.
Lawmaker from Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman attended the event as a special guest.
DSCC chief executive officer Md. Khairul Rahman, chief waste management officer Air Commodore Md. Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, senior DSCC officials and local dignitaries were also present.
