The memories of my childhood, spent along Dhaka’s canals, inspired me to write two in-depth series on this issue—first in 2016 and later in 2024. These reports examined the current state of the canals, the failures of restoration efforts, and how their degradation is worsening the city’s waterlogging crisis. They also sought to shed light on what it would take to revive these dying arteries of Dhaka.

This book, Dhaka’s Canals on Their Dying Breath : An In-Depth Look at How the Capitals’s Waterways Are Being Choked, is the culmination of my reports and further research. It is a chronicle of the rise and fall of Dhaka’s waterbodies—a journey through their vibrant past, their tragic present, and their uncertain future. Through meticulous research, I have attempted to unravel the layers of history, policy failures, and societal indifference that have led us here.

But this book is not merely a chronicle of loss. It is also a call to action—a reminder that these waterways are not beyond saving. With political will, robust policy reforms, and collective effort, Dhaka’s canals can once again become vibrant lifelines, rejuvenating the city’s ecosystem and offering relief to its residents.

Let this book serve as both a lament and a beacon. It is a lament for the precious resources we have lost, but also a beacon of hope for what can still be saved. The fate of Dhaka’s canals is not just the story of its waterways—it is a reflection of our values, our priorities, and our capacity to protect the fragile world we live in.