Ecological Crisis: 81 rivers vanishing across Bangladesh, finds study

Some 81 rivers across in Bangladesh have dried up during the lean season showing a sign of an alarming ecological crisis, finds a recent study. 

The study titled 'Dried-up Rivers of Bangladesh' was conducted by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC).

The study shows the crisis is particularly severe in Khulna, Satkhira, Rajshahi and Kushtia regions.  In those regions pollution, sedimentation, and rapid urbanisation have severely disrupted natural water flows, reports UNB.

"This deterioration poses a serious threat to livelihoods, agriculture, and biodiversity, and undermines the vital role rivers play in sustaining both ecosystems and human communities," the study said.

According to the RDRC, the highest number of drying rivers are in Khulna division which is 25, followed by 20 in Rajshahi, 15 in Rangpur, six in Chattogram, five in Mymensingh, four in Dhaka, and three each in Barishal and Sylhet divisions.

The list of 81 affected rivers includes - the Alay, Atrai, Bagboti, Bangali, Baral, Betna, Bhairab, Bhodrabati, Bhola, Bhulli, Bilash, Burikhora, Chandana, Chandrabati, Chiknai, Chitra, Chuna, Dhalai, Dhaleshwari, Dharla, Dhepa, Dudhkumar, Fotki, Galghesiya, Gangnai, Ghaghat, Gomati, Goneshwari, Gorai and Gumani. The Hanu, Harihar, Hishna, Hoja, Hura Sagor, Ichamoti, distributaries of the Jamuna, Kahua, Kakshiali, Kaliganga, Kalpani, Karatoya, Katakhali, Khakdon, Kholpetua, Kohelia, Kopotakkho, Kulik, Kumar, Kushiyara, Mahananda, Manash, Mathavanga, Mohishaban, Morrichap, Moyur, Muhuri, and Muradiya. Nabaganga, Nagar, Narod, Noroshunda, some distributaries of the Padma, Pagla, Punarbhaba, Sandha, Selonia, Shagorkhali, Shalikha, Shib, Sholmari, Shuk, Someshwari, Sonai, Sukhdah, Surma, Tangon, Teesta, Titash, Tulsi Ganga, and Lenga.

The study also highlights the growing concern for the Brahmaputra-Jamuna-Meghna (BGM) basin which is under severe stress due to upstream dams and water diversions. These are disrupting the natural flow and affecting millions of people dependent on these rivers for fishing, farming and transportation.

"As water levels become unpredictable, entire communities struggle. The impact goes beyond humans—it damages wildlife, destroys habitats, and disrupts the natural balance," it noted.

The RDRC recommends immediate action to reduce pollution, prevent erosion, and restore aquatic ecosystems. The study highlighted that the national efforts alone cannot solve the problem.

"Many rivers across the country share international borders. Therefore, Bangladesh must engage in regional cooperation with upstream countries." the report said.

With over 24,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and streams, Bangladesh is home to one of the world's largest natural river networks. During the monsoon, approximately 6,000 kilometres remain navigable but in the dry season the figure drops to just 3,800 kilometres.