Environmental and Forest Affairs Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the survival of dolphins reflects the health of rivers, and saving rivers ultimately ensures human survival.

Dolphins are the symbol of a river’s health. Where dolphins live, rivers thrive — and when rivers survive, people survive,” she said while addressing a discussion marking International Freshwater Dolphin Day at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon on Sunday.

Speaking as the chief guest, Rizwana Hasan stressed that keeping rivers clean is essential for both human and dolphin life. “Polluted rivers are deadly not only for dolphins but also for humans. Talking about dolphins is, in fact, talking about our own survival,” she said.

She noted that although humans are polluting rivers themselves, they still claim to be a civilized nation — which she termed contradictory. “If dolphin numbers increase, it means our rivers are being protected. If they decline, we are putting rivers at risk,” she added.

The adviser also emphasized the need for not just legal protection but also psychological and behavioral change to protect wildlife. “Cruelty towards innocent animals reflects moral decay in society. Communities must stand against such cruelty,” she said.

Rizwana Hasan expressed hope for the creation of volunteer networks in every district to assist the Forest Department in wildlife rescue and protection efforts. “Those who are working spontaneously to save wildlife deserve our sincere appreciation,” she said, adding that “the well-being of humans and wildlife are intertwined — if we protect animals, nature will protect us.”

The event was presided over by Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, while Conservator of Forests Md Sanaullah Patwary, Dr Md Jahangir Alam of WCS Bangladesh, Dr Md Ishtiak Sobha of the World Bank, and Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of the Sundarbans East Forest Division also spoke.

The event featured the unveiling of the ‘Ganges Dolphin Conservation Handbook’ and an educational exhibition on dolphin conservation.