Microplastics and industrial pollution are turning the Sutang River into a toxic waterway, raising alarm over risks to human health, biodiversity and livelihoods in Habiganj communities.
The Sutang River in Habiganj, once a lifeline for fisheries, agriculture and local livelihoods, is now a toxic hazard. Constant encroachment, industrial pollution and the presence of microplastics have made the river water poisonous, threatening human health, biodiversity and the future of local communities. As the world observes the International Day of Action for Rivers today, March 14, the urgency to save the Sutang has never been greater.
A study by Habiganj Agricultural University published late last year found microplastics in both the river water and fish. Researchers analysed 30 fish collected from the river and found a total of 51 plastic particles, averaging 1.7 microplastics per fish. Larger fish contained more microplastics, reflecting longer exposure to the polluted environment. Laboratory analysis identified harmful plastics such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide, mainly from packaging materials and the textile industry. Between 6.67 and 46.6 microplastic particles were found per litre of river water, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 millimetres. Researchers warn these microplastics could pose serious long-term risks to human health and biodiversity, underlining the urgent need for pollution control and monitoring.
Local residents say they are already suffering. Abdul Kayium of Shahpur said, “The Sutang was full of fish and supported our livelihoods. Now the water is toxic and life near the river is unbearable.” Gulnahar Begum, a primary school teacher in Sadhurbazar, added, “The stench is so strong we cover our noses and mouths just to go to school. The pollution has turned our home into a dangerous place.” Shafiq Mia of Bhadgari village said, “We have to cross the river for work but as soon as the water touches our skin it causes itching.”
Environmental activists blame unplanned industrialisation. Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of the Habiganj district unit of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, said, “The Sutang and nearby canals show how unchecked factories are destroying the environment instead of supporting development. Industrial waste is dumped into rivers through canals, even those built with government funds, while laws requiring treatment at the source are ignored.”
Experts warn the consequences could spread further. Professor Dr Mohammad Jahirul Hoque, vice chancellor of Metropolitan University, said, “Irresponsible industrialisation over the past two decades has turned a once fast-flowing cross-border river into a toxic drain. Factories operate effluent treatment plants only on paper, cutting costs while harming biodiversity and public health. Microplastics are now found in the river, in haor beels and in water sources used by people and animals alike. This environmental disaster is quickly becoming a human disaster.”
Professor Dr Syed Sayem Uddin Ahmed, vice chancellor of Habiganj Agricultural University, added, “The presence of microplastics in fish and water is extremely alarming. Our research will help guide policy and environmental protection efforts.”
The Sutang, listed as number 1206 by the Bangladesh River Commission, is a transboundary river originating in Tripura, India and flowing through Habiganj Sadar, Lakhai, Shayestaganj and Chunarughat upazilas before joining the Kalni River. Spanning 81 kilometres with a basin of nearly 400 square kilometres, it once supported agriculture, fisheries and local livelihoods year round. Today sections of the river including Karab, Chharipur, Uchail, Rajiura, Sadhurbazar, Mirzapur, Ghorail Char and Rahimpur are black, emit a strong stench and have seen massive fish deaths.
In a landmark ruling in 2019 the Bangladesh High Court declared all rivers as living entities with legal rights, recognising them as living beings and emphasising that their protection is a constitutional obligation. The ruling establishes that polluting rivers and destroying aquatic ecosystems violates both environmental laws and the rights of communities dependent on these waterways.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, “The Sutang River’s condition shows how unchecked industrial activity is violating environmental laws and the legal rights of rivers. Industries must be held accountable immediately. Restoring the river is essential for the health, livelihoods and rights of local communities. Protecting rivers is not optional. It is a legal and moral duty.”
The crisis of the Sutang River highlights the urgent need for eco-friendly industrialisation, strict enforcement of environmental laws and community-led river restoration initiatives. Without decisive action the river’s collapse will continue to threaten biodiversity, public health and local livelihoods, making coordinated intervention essential.
