Dhaka, April 11 -- A broad road stretches east from the bustling Rampura Bridge in Dhaka, passing between the bridge and the TV Centre, heading towards Trimohini.

On the left-hand footpath, pedestrians are hit by an overpowering stench. The reason: a municipal garbage dumping ground managed by the city corporation.

Pressing forward with nose and mouth covered, one is met by the sight of a dead river-its banks barricaded by concrete railings, overgrown with various trees and shrubs.

This so-called river resembles a narrow canal, barely noticeable as a water body.

A small signboard labels it the "Narai River"-a name that might surprise passers-by, who would likely mistake it for a mere drainage ditch.

The road runs alongside the river,...