Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Friday expressed deep concern over the removal of the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC) chairman midway of his tenure.

The TIB questioned if the commission's task is to protect the interests of influential river grabbers, leaving aside the conservation of the rivers.

"This move contradicts the government's commitment to protecting the rivers," claimed the Bangladesh chapter of the Berlin-based organisation in a statement.

Although the government has the power to remove the chairman of the commission, the TIB feels that the message the government is trying to send by using this power in such a way is a cause for concern.

"Though it is a statutory body of Bangladesh, the National River Conservation Commission has in fact been kept ineffective by the law. The commission can only advise the government. It has no power to take punitive action against encroachers and polluters (of the rivers)," said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.

He said there is no obligation to accept the commission's reports or advice. But there is no alternative to strengthen this commission to ensure the character of this country's lands, life and livelihood of the people.

On Wednesday last, the government cancelled the contractual appointment of National River Conservation Commission chairman Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury who blasted a female politician a month ago for being behind the encroachment of the Meghna River in Chandpur.