Buriganga

The Buriganga River is a major river in central Bangladesh that flows through the capital city, Dhaka. It is part of the larger Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta system and, in its lower reaches, is tidal. The river ultimately connects with the Meghna estuary and the Bay of Bengal as part of the region’s intricate freshwater–estuarine network.

Historically and economically, the Buriganga has been a key waterway for transport, trade, and daily life in Dhaka. The Sadarghat river port along its banks is one of the city’s busiest ferry and cargo hubs, supporting passenger movement, fishing, and local commerce. The riverfront also hosts landmarks such as old Dhaka’s historic neighborhoods and riverside institutions, reflecting the city’s development alongside the waterway.

Environmental and health concerns are prominent. The Buriganga has suffered extensive pollution from industrial discharges, domestic sewage, and encroachment along its banks, with tannery and other effluents contributing to water quality decline. Conservation and remediation efforts—driven by government agencies, local authorities, and NGOs—include river dredging, waste management improvements, and pollution-control initiatives, though challenges remain.

Today, the Buriganga remains central to Dhaka’s identity and economy while presenting ongoing environmental management challenges. Its future depends on integrated urban planning, pollution control, and sustainable use of the river as a living resource for residents and industries alike.