PM exchanges views with experts on sustainable water management solutions

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has exchanged views with experts from the environment, water and engineering sectors to address the existing crisis in the country's water management and ensure long-term sustainable solutions. The meeting stressed the use of modern technology in water resource management, integrated planning and effective initiatives to tackle the impacts of climate change.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office of the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday, August 4.

The meeting, organised by the social development organisation Footsteps Bangladesh, was attended by experts from the environment, water and engineering sectors and representatives from various concerned institutions. They presented recommendations on the current challenges, limitations and possible solutions to the country's water management.

The experts said it is essential to adopt long and medium-term plans, use modern technology, strengthen coordination among various government agencies and take effective steps considering the impacts of climate change in water resource management .

The meeting discussed in detail canal restoration, ensuring the sustainability of rivers and flood control embankments, modernising urban drainage systems, wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting and management. The need for integrated urban planning in the context of rapid urbanisation was also emphasised.

After listening to the experts' remarks, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured them that the government would take necessary initiatives to ensure sustainable development, environmental protection and safe and effective water management for citizens. He also assured that the advice and cooperation of experts would be considered seriously in this regard.

The meeting was attended by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar and BNP Special Secretary Belayet Hossain.

Also present at the meeting were Footsteps Bangladesh Trustee and Head of Partnerships Fasbir 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, Garbejman founder Fahid Uddin Shuvro and urban and rural planner S M Mehedi Hasan, along with representatives from various concerned sectors.