Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River

Bangladesh is often called the "Country of Rivers" or "Land of Rivers" because it has around 700 rivers, including major ones like the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. These rivers form the world's largest river delta, making the land fertile and rich for farming. Yet, within this nation blessed with an intricate network of waterways, a stark and distressing reality unfolds. While the issue of river contamination is widespread, the story of one river stands out as a particularly tragic example: the Buriganga, a vital waterway near its capital, Dhaka, now so overwhelmed with waste that it has tragically earned the title of a "trash river."

Love this cover artwork? Check out the 5 alternatives above the comment section below.

The Shocking Reality of the Buriganga: A "Trash River"

A recent viral video has laid bare the horrifying reality of the Buriganga River, a vital waterway of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The shocking images depict a surface choked with seemingly endless piles of trash, so dense in places that one could almost walk on it. This visual catastrophe underscores the tragic transformation of a river with a significant past. The Buriganga, whose name translates to “old Ganges” (‘buri’ meaning old and ‘Ganga’ referring to the Ganges), was once the final stretch of the mighty Ganges River before its confluence with the Bay of Bengal. This historical connection only deepens the tragedy of its current state, now a stark contrast to the appalling scene revealed in the viral footage. 

This once-linked artery of the sacred Ganges is now choked, suffocated, and transformed into something almost unrecognizable – a sluggish, dark mass laden with unimaginable filth. This is the grim reality of the Buriganga River, which has become known as a “trash river.”

Forget the gentle murmur of flowing water; near Dhaka, the Buriganga presents a shocking scene: a disturbing mosaic of black, viscous liquid choked with appalling solid waste – plastic bags, discarded clothing, tangled nets, and lifeless debris. This transformation into a dumping ground, a consequence of Dhaka’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth, is fueled by the untreated discharge from tanneries and textile industries, along with the immense volume of daily domestic waste, turning the once vital waterway into a toxic soup.

Wastewater Containing Fabric Dye Is Released Into Streams and Rivers by Textile Industries in Dhaka Bangladesh
Wastewater Containing Fabric Dye Is Released Into Streams and Rivers by Textile Industries in Dhaka Bangladesh

The Stain of Fast Fashion: How Our Wardrobes Contribute to the Tragedy

While multiple factors contribute to the Buriganga’s appalling state, the fast fashion industry casts a particularly long and dark shadow. The insatiable global demand for cheap, trendy clothing has fueled a massive manufacturing sector in countries like Bangladesh, and the environmental consequences are starkly visible in rivers like the Buriganga. The viral video that brought this crisis to wider attention specifically highlighted the potential links between the river’s pollution and the manufacturing processes associated with well-known fast fashion brands like Adidas, Nike, Zara, and H&M.

Consider this: a staggering 73% of the United States’ imported clothes in 2023 originated from Asia, with Bangladesh, alongside China and Vietnam, being a leading supplier. For Bangladesh, the garment industry is a cornerstone of its economy, accounting for a colossal 44 billion dollars out of its 52 billion dollars in exports in 2021. This immense scale of production, driven by the fast fashion model, comes at a significant environmental cost, often borne by local ecosystems and communities.

The uncomfortable truth, as many are now realizing, is that fast fashion has been causing environmental harm for decades, often without the full awareness of consumers. The damage is multifaceted, and the Buriganga River bears the brunt of several key issues linked to textile production:

  • Harmful Chemicals in Wastewater: Untreated industrial wastewater containing dyes and treatment chemicals poisons the river and harms aquatic life, a byproduct of the intense dyeing and treatment processes often used to create the trendy and affordable clothing demanded by brands like Zara and H&M.
  • Microfiber Pollution: Shed microplastic fibers from synthetic garments contaminate the river, persist in the environment, and enter the food chain. This pollution is visible in the viral video and is a consequence of the widespread use of synthetic materials in athletic wear from brands like Adidas and Nike, as well as other fast fashion items.
  • Water and Energy Consumption: The textile industry’s high water and energy use strains resources and contributes significantly to carbon emissions, a significant factor in the overall environmental footprint of major apparel producers.
  • Solid Waste from Production: Fabric scraps and production waste can end up polluting rivers and landfills, adding to the environmental burden associated with the high production volumes of the fast fashion industry.
DHAKA, BANGLADESH - 2014/03/02: Children playing in the polluted environment in the bank of the river Buriganga. Indiscriminate discharge of liquid waste by the tannery factories in Dhaka's Hazaribagh area has ruined a large part of the Buriganga river, causing immense suffering to residents living on the banks. (Photo by Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Innocence Tainted. Their Laughter Echoes Over a Poisoned Paradise

Echoes of the Past: A Lost River of Life

Today, the Buriganga’s polluted state makes it hard to recall its vital role for the indigenous communities and local Bengali people of the Dhaka region. For groups like the Garo, Hajong, Koch, and Barman, and others with historical ties to the area’s waterways, the river once offered pristine drinking water, abundant fishing, crucial transportation for trade, and irrigation for fertile lands. Further north and west, groups like the Santal and Oraon have deep roots in the land. While their primary settlements might not have been exclusively on the Buriganga’s immediate banks, the river and its tributaries would have undoubtedly played a significant role in their lives, providing resources and connectivity. The river likely held cultural and spiritual significance and served as a place for community and recreation. Now, these essential uses are largely lost, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of pollution on a once-sustaining river.

The River's Edge: A Double-Edged Flow

It’s a curious irony, isn’t it? These very navigable waterways, the lifelines that historically brought prosperity and connection to regions like Bangladesh – the “Land of Rivers” itself – are now so vulnerable to becoming conduits of our collective excesses. The same fluidity that allows for trade and growth also carries the murky tide of our waste. Perhaps there’s a disquieting truth in recognizing that none of us are truly innocent bystanders. Whether directly through industrial practices or indirectly through our demand for affordable goods – yes, even the clothes hanging in our closets, often stitched in these very regions – we are all threads in this complex tapestry of environmental impact. The river, once a clear path to a brighter future, now reflects a shadow of our global appetite

H&M Fast Fashion River Mixer
The Price Tag Doesn't Show the Poisoned Rivers

Echoes of the Buriganga: A Worldwide Wake-Up Call for Our Rivers

The tragic state of the Buriganga serves as a stark reminder that it is not alone in its suffering. Rivers across the globe are facing critical levels of pollution, each with its own story of environmental degradation. These waterways, vital lifelines for communities and ecosystems, are burdened by a variety of contaminants, echoing the Buriganga’s plight on a larger scale. This is a worldwide phenomenon, with devastating consequences visible across every inhabited continent. To illustrate the global scope of this crisis, here are examples of significantly polluted rivers from each inhabited continent:

The urgent need for global action to address river pollution is clear. We must learn from the agony of rivers like the Buriganga and these other examples, working towards protecting and restoring these essential resources before more succumb to irreversible damage.

Keep them clean!

The distressing story of the Buriganga, a river suffocated by our waste and the demands of industries like fast fashion, serves as a potent symbol. It echoes the struggles of waterways across the globe, each facing its own unique cocktail of pollutants. The continent-spanning examples we’ve explored reveal a clear and urgent truth: the health of our rivers is inextricably linked to our actions, both as industries and as consumers. The choices we make, from the clothes we buy to the waste we generate, ripple outwards, ultimately determining the fate of these vital ecosystems. Let the agony of the Buriganga, and the silent suffering of countless other rivers, galvanize us. It’s time to recognize our shared responsibility and commit to a future where the flow of our lives nourishes, rather than destroys, the precious waters that sustain us all.

F.A.Q.

The Buriganga’s pollution is primarily due to untreated industrial discharge, especially from tanneries and the textile industry, along with the massive amounts of domestic waste generated by the population of Dhaka.

The Buriganga has earned this grim title due to the overwhelming amount of solid waste and viscous, polluted water that often covers its surface, making it resemble a dumping ground.

The fast fashion industry’s manufacturing processes in Bangladesh release harmful chemicals in wastewater, contribute to microfiber pollution from synthetic clothes, consume vast amounts of water and energy, and generate solid waste, all of which can end up polluting rivers like the Buriganga.

No, the Buriganga is a stark example of a global crisis. Many rivers around the world suffer from severe pollution caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and domestic waste.

Yes, the post mentions the Citarum River (Indonesia), Ganges and Yamuna Rivers (India), Yellow River (China), Sarno River (Italy), Nairobi River (Kenya), Tijuana River (USA/Mexico border), Matanza-Riachuelo River (Argentina), and River Derwent (Australia).

Additional resources

Related Content

Instagram Youtube

Don't miss a drop.

Sign up for new river alerts! We're continually expanding our collection with amazing waterways from around the globe. If you're searching for a specific river to enhance your craft, spiritual or research practices, subscribe to stay informed.
Click Here
subscribe

Editor's note

This blog post uses publicly available information from various sources, synthesized with the help of AI, as a starting point for exploring the world of rivers. Our editors review the content for accuracy, though we encourage readers to verify information intended for primary source use. We strive to use public domain, licensed, or AI-generated images; due to the nature of online sharing, individual image sources are generally not credited. Please contact us regarding any copyright concerns.

Featured Friends

Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

Waterkeepers Bangladesh stands as a resolute guardian of the country's vital waterways, embodying a powerful commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh's rivers and wetlands for present and future generations. As part of the global Waterkeeper Alliance, this dedicated organization employs a multi-faceted approach encompassing advocacy, community engagement, and on-the-ground action to combat pollution, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the ecological integrity of these crucial aquatic ecosystems. Through the tireless efforts of its Riverkeepers and dedicated staff, Waterkeepers Bangladesh serves as a strong voice for the health and preservation of Bangladesh's precious water resources, including iconic rivers like the Buriganga.
Click Here
featured

our river collection

Crossword Puzzle

Collection Map

Let's Celebrate.

Travel the world, one river at a time. Explore our map and follow us as we collect precious rivers. Become part of the story by owning your own drops of history.
Click Here
map

River Clips

Collection Videos.

Trace the origins of our extraordinary river water collection. Watch captivating video clips that capture the breathtaking birthplaces of these rivers.
Click Here
videos

Be a River Guardian

Buyer Rivers

recent posts
Outdoors

Christian Cave’s Peruvian River Expedition: Chasing Yacumama

In the serpentine embrace of the Peruvian Amazon’s rivers, where sunlight dapples through the dense canopy onto the murky depths, lurks a creature of myth and majesty: the green anaconda, or “Yacumama” to the locals. Join us as we trace the currents of these vital waterways alongside the intrepid Christian Cave, a young explorer whose passion led him deep into this liquid wilderness on a remarkable mission to document the legendary “Mother of the Water” in her natural domain.

Read More »
May 10, 2025
Travel

A River Paddle Through the Big Thicket with Outdoor Afro

Venture into the “America’s Ark” of the Big Thicket, where a hidden network of rivers pulses beneath the ancient trees. River Mixer joined Outdoor Afro for a captivating canoe journey on the Neches, guided by a knowledgeable park ranger, to uncover the vital connections between these waterways and this extraordinary ecosystem.

Read More »
May 4, 2025
History

Looking Back: The Goldenrod and the Age of River Showboats

Before the flickering screens of cinemas and the glow of televisions, entertainment often arrived on the currents of the Mississippi. Showboats, those remarkable floating theaters, brought live performance and a touch of wonder to countless river communities. The Goldenrod, the last of her kind, offers a captivating glimpse into this lost world, a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of a time when the river was a highway for both commerce and culture, and dreams sailed on wooden decks.

Read More »
April 27, 2025
Travel

Rio Negro Amazon Cruise: With Jordi Miguel

The Rio Negro’s dark waters hold secrets, a world of piranhas, pink dolphins, and the surreal “Meeting of the Waters.” We explored it with Jordi Miguel, an expert whose stories unlocked the Amazon’s hidden rhythms. But what mysteries lie beneath the rainforest’s canopy, and what tales did Jordi whisper about the river’s soul? Discover the secrets for yourself.

Read More »
April 13, 2025
Outdoors

Finn Priest-Jacobs: A Young Voice for the Waikato River

Eight-year-old Finn Priest-Jacobs has a special connection to the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest. Recently, he helped River Mixer “collect” this waterway, a hands-on introduction to environmental care. But Finn’s involvement is just one part of the Waikato’s story, which includes dramatic geological forces, deep cultural ties for the Māori people, and the inspiring work of Finn’s mother, Ceana, with Outdoor Kid, nurturing future conservationists. Explore the many layers of the Waikato River, seen through Finn’s growing appreciation and the collective desire to protect this vital taonga (treasure).

Read More »
April 6, 2025
Science

The Casiquiare: The River That’s Stealing Another River

For centuries, whispered tales of a river connecting the Orinoco and Amazon circulated among explorers and scientists, often met with skepticism. It was not until Alexander von Humboldt’s expedition that the Casiquiare river’s existence was confirmed, transforming legend into scientific fact. This unique river, a testament to nature’s ingenuity, continues to fascinate researchers, revealing the intricate interplay between geology, hydrology, and biogeography.

Read More »
March 31, 2025

Alternative Covers

The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River (1)
The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River (8)
The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River (7)
The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River (6)
The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River (5)
The Buriganga “Trash River” Catwalks as World’s Most Polluted River (2)

We had multiple art options for this post’s cover, but only one could make the cut. Here are 5 runner-ups. Did we choose the right one?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Members

Art Projects

Collections

Activities

Videos

  • ALL VIDEOS
  • AFRICA
  • ASIA
  • SOUTH AMERICA
  • EUROPE
  • NORTH AMERICA
  • OCEANIA

SHOP

COLLECTIONS

MEMBERSHIP

BLOG

COMPANY

Youtube Instagram

© 2025 River Mixer™ LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without written permission.

secure website-png