Experts at a Chattogram meeting urged immediate steps to establish a national “Water Grid,” dredge Kaptai Lake and conserve natural water bodies, warning that climate change, salinity, over-extraction, and pollution threaten safe water access for millions across Bangladesh.
The sustainable solution to the country’s growing water crisis lies in a “Water Grid” system. Much like electricity, if a national water grid is established, equitable distribution of water can be ensured from remote villages to coastal cities.
Speakers made this observation on Tuesday at an exchange meeting in Chattogram organized to mark World Water Week 2025, according to a press release.
On August 26, following a procession and human chain demonstration with empty pitchers in hand, the meeting titled “Proper Water Management—A Tool to Tackle the Climate Crisis” was held at the Wasa Conference Hall.
Organizers said water supply is being disrupted due to encroachment, landfilling, and deforestation along the Karnaphuli River. Meanwhile, salinity, over-extraction of groundwater, and the impacts of climate change have drastically reduced water availability. As a result, adopting a national water grid strategy has become essential.
Chattogram Wasa Managing Director Monowara Begum said, “We have abundant water in Patenga, but we cannot use it. Chattogram Wasa’s responsibility is only to supply drinking water. In 1986, we started with one treatment plant; now we have four in operation. But the real problem is that we are destroying nature, and nature is reacting against us.”
She emphasized the need for conservation measures, saying, “Every household or building must be required to have a system for conserving water naturally. If necessary, CDA should make this mandatory during construction approvals. That stored water can later be treated and supplied for use. At the same time, we must protect the water bodies we are destroying and raise public awareness.”
Chattogram Wasa’s Chief Engineer Maksud Alam warned:
“Kaptai Lake is silting up. Who will dredge it? We have raised this issue many times, but no effective initiative has been taken. We must save Kaptai Lake, otherwise the water crisis will worsen.”
He added, “Our main source is now the Karnaphuli River, but salinity is a major problem. We tried bringing water from the Meghna River, but the cost is too high—around Tk 150 per cubic meter. Supplying that water through treatment plants further raises costs. While bringing water to a specific area may be expensive, a national water grid would significantly reduce costs. Once implemented, the Water Grid can solve the country’s water problems.”
The keynote paper was presented by Shamsuddin Illius, Bureau Chief (Chattogram) of The Business Standard. Illius, a leading climate and environmental journalist, said, “Due to climate change, most water sources are being contaminated by salinity. Moreover, pollution is another major reason for the destruction of these sources. In the Chattogram region, over 5 million people lack access to safe water.”
He further stressed, “Chattogram is the city struggling most severely for water. The government must come up with a proper plan to address these issues.”
The meeting was chaired by S.M. Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the CAB Central Committee and Executive Director of ISDE Bangladesh. Special guests included Government Joint Secretary and Wasa Deputy Managing Director (Administration) Muhammad Ashraf Hossain, Deputy Managing Director (Engineering) Bishnu Kumar Sarkar, and Chief Engineer Maksud Alam.
Discussants included Professor Dr. Khaled Mizbahuzzaman of Chittagong University’s Institute of Forestry and Environmental Science, environmentalist Professor Dr. Idris Ali and Bhuiyan Nazrul, Bureau Chief of Desh Rupantor.
The program was organized by ISDE Bangladesh with support from the Pani Adhikar Campaign, PRAN, and ActionAid, and was moderated by Kazi Iqbal Bahar Saberi, General Secretary of CAB Chattogram Division.
Speakers concluded that the water crisis is not only a technological problem but also a human rights issue. Therefore, immediate and effective steps are needed to implement a Water Grid, protect Kaptai Lake, and conserve natural water bodies.
