They also urged the government to implement the Water Body Conservation Act on an urgent basis.

The rally was organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa)

in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh in the city.

The speakers said regular dredging is needed to ensure navigability and smooth flow of waters in these rivers

Otherwise, a vast area of the capital will be inundated during rainy season in near future, they apprehended.

Bapa President Prof Muzaffar Ahmed said "We have urged the government again and again for immediate removal of all illegal structures constructed on the banks of Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Shitalakkhya which are shrinking the water flow and reducing the depth of the rivers. But the authorities concerned have turned deaf ears to our calls."

Representatives of Nagorik Uddog, Seed, Basa, The Hunger Project Bangladesh, Sunder Jibon, Jubo Union, Peace, Sramo Bikash, Sheba and other environmental and social organisations took part in the rally.