THE RIVERS OF BANGLADESH
Bangladesh is a land of rivers. She has hundreds of rivers and thousands of their branches and tributaries. Most of these rivers have their origin in the Himalayas and fall into the Bay of Bengal. The rivers, big or small, contribute to the ccuntry's health, wealth and joy.
Bangladesh is a land of over six hundred rivers. The Padma, the Meghna, the Jamuna, the Karnafuli, the Borigonga, the Tista, the Surma, the Brahmaputra ete. are the most important rivers in our small land. Of them, the Padma, the Meghna, the Jamuna and the Karnafuly are the main rivers of Bangladesh.
Ours is an agricultural country. So, our national economy as well as our development almost depends on our agriculture. Again, our agriculture largely depends on our rivers. Our rivers carry huge silt. This silt makes our soil fertile and alluvial where plenty of jute, paddy, sugar-cane, trees and plants grow.
Our rivers are the main means of communication. Boats, launches, steamers, trawlers and ferries ply across these rivers in all seasons. They carry passengers and goods from one place to another. Travelling by river is very comfortable, enjoyable and cheap.
The strong current of the rivers of Bangladesh can be a great source of energy. They can be used for producing hydro-electricity which greatly helps our agriculture as well as national economy.
Our rivers play an important role in our trade and business. Most of our trade and business centers, bazars, hats, towns, cities, ports, mills and factories are located on the banks of our rivers. So, our rivers do a great good to our trade and business.
Our rivers are the best homes for different fishes and birds which supply us protein. Besides, we can export them to foreign countries and earn much foreign exchange.
The way of life of the people of our country is greatly influenced by the rivers. Some people have become fishermen, some boatmen and some captains. Our culture and civilization, art and literature cannot be thought of without these rivers.
Our rivers are not unmixed blessings. Sometimes they do much harm. Sometimes they grow bigger and wild and overflow the banks and destroy our standing crops and wash away thousands of houses and cattle. Nevertheless our rivers play an important 'role in the economy of the country. In short, the rivers are the source of our prosperity and progress.