Experts urged coordinated planning, modern technologies and nature based solutions to address floods, erosion, pollution and urban drainage pressures during a consultation at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged government support for collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable development, environmental protection and climate resilient water management as the country faces growing challenges linked to floods, river erosion, urban flooding, water pollution and climate change.
He made the commitment during a high level consultation meeting with water, environment and engineering experts at the Prime Minister’s Office in Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday, where participants discussed ways to develop sustainable solutions for the country’s water security challenges.
Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said the meeting focused on restoring degraded canals, strengthening river and embankment management, improving urban drainage systems, expanding wastewater treatment facilities and promoting effective rainwater management.
The discussion also highlighted the need for integrated urban planning to address increasing pressure on water resources caused by rapid and often unplanned urbanisation.
“Experts presented their observations on existing challenges in Bangladesh’s water management sector, including institutional limitations, infrastructure gaps and possible pathways for sustainable solutions,” Hasan Shiplu said.
Representatives from environmental, water and engineering sectors, along with experts from relevant organisations, participated in the meeting led by social development organisation Footsteps Bangladesh, which works on social development, environmental protection and community focused initiatives.
Experts recommended long and medium term planning, stronger coordination among government agencies, greater use of modern technologies, climate resilient infrastructure and nature based solutions to improve water governance.
They stressed that ensuring future water security would require cooperation among government institutions, technical experts, civil society organisations and local communities, particularly as climate change continues to intensify water related risks across Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, home to one of the world’s largest river networks, is highly vulnerable to climate impacts, including extreme flooding, riverbank erosion, salinity intrusion and rising pressure on urban water and drainage systems. Effective water management has become increasingly important for protecting ecosystems, livelihoods and public health.
After listening to the recommendations, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured support for joint initiatives involving experts and stakeholders to advance sustainable development, protect the environment and establish safe and effective water management systems for citizens.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mir Shahe Alam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar and BNP National Executive Committee Special Secretary Belayet Hossain attended the meeting.
Among the participants were Footsteps Bangladesh Trustee and Head of Partnerships Fasbeer Eskander, President Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Vice President Mohammad Taqi Yasir, former Chief Engineer of the World Bank’s Waste Management Project Tariq Bin Yusuf, Professor Mujibur Rahman of United International University, Red Orange Director Alok Kumar Majumder, Deputy Director Samiul Islam, Youth for NDC Executive Director Amanullah Parag, Garbageman Founder Fahid Uddin Shuvo and urban and rural planning expert S M Mehedi Hasan.
