River pollution from cattle farm wastes, allegation against AL Leader in Tungipara
BM Shamim, Tungipara (Gopalganj)
Residents of Lebutala area in Tungipara upazila of Gopalganj have accused a local Awami League leader of polluting the Kakibunia Shaildah River by dumping waste from his dairy farm. They blamed Masud Munshi, president of Ward No. 8 of Tungipara Municipality Awami League, for the incident.
According to allegations, Masud Munshi, son of late Khayer Munshi of Patgati village, has long been operating a farm on the riverbank. Locals claim that cow dung, manure, and other farm waste are being directly dumped into the river, leaving the water foul-smelling and unusable. Once used for household chores and even for drinking, the river water has now become unfit for any use.
Despite repeated requests, locals said their pleas went unheard. In response to journalists’ questions, Masud Munshi expressed anger, saying, “Go to the Chief Adviser if you want, nothing will happen to me. My farm is not harming the environment. If you file a case, I will handle it in court.”
Residents further alleged that using the influence of the ruling party, Masud Munshi illegally set up the farm on the riverbank. Yet, neither the Department of Environment nor the local administration has taken any visible action so far.
Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Prokash Biswas said, “Dumping farm waste into the river causes severe pollution. There is no legality in doing so. I will inform the UNO about the matter.”
