A folk music adda in Gazipur’s Gajari forest united villagers and activists, blending culture with environmental concern while urging collective action to save rivers and forests from rapid, unplanned industrialisation.
A quiet rural village in central Bangladesh became a hub of cultural expression and environmental awareness on Monday evening as folk music blended with calls to protect rivers and forests amid increasing industrial pressure. Organisers said they plan to replicate similar community-based cultural initiatives in other regions to promote environmental conservation and reconnect people with nature through Bangladesh’s rich folk traditions.
The event, titled Adda at Gajarigore through Folk Music, was organised by the environmental group Nodi o Prokriti Foundation at Phulanirchhit village under Mawna Union of Sreepur upazila in Gazipur district, an area once known for its rivers and forest cover.
Set inside a gajari forest, a native tree species common in central Bangladesh, participants sat on mats laid under a mango tree in an open space illuminated by dim electric lights as dusk turned to night. Farmers, garment workers, teachers, writers, businesspeople and cultural activists gathered in an atmosphere free from mechanical noise, drawn together by traditional folk melodies.
Songs ranging from rural ballads to spiritual folk tunes echoed through the forest, reinforcing a shared message of deep cultural and emotional ties with nature. Participants said the music repeatedly reminded them that rivers, forests and the natural environment form the roots of Bangladesh’s identity and way of life.
Beyond the music, the gathering evolved into an open discussion on the growing threats facing Gazipur’s rivers and forest areas due to rapid and unplanned industrialisation. Speakers noted that environmental degradation has accelerated in recent years, underlining the urgent need for effective, long-term and people-centred environmental planning.
The programme was moderated by writer Mishkat Russell, who steered the discussion toward community responsibility and environmental ethics. Speakers emphasised that individual accountability is essential, calling for increased tree plantation, proper waste management and citizen cooperation with authorities by reporting environmental violations.
Chairman of Nodi o Prokriti Foundation, Khorshed Alam, said modern, mechanised lifestyles are distancing people from nature. “Cultural gatherings like this can easily inspire environmental awareness. If everyone acts responsibly from their own position, this crisis can still be addressed,” he said.
Saeed Chowdhury, president of the Sreepur unit of the Bangladesh Riverine People’s Organisation, said the combination of rivers, forests and folk music reflects the country’s true spirit. “Such initiatives rise above social divisions and portray a vision of a beautiful Bangladesh while repeatedly reminding us of the need to protect our rivers and forests,” he added.
