Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has held a discussion with a group of experts to explore ways to ensure safe and effective water management in Bangladesh.
The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat, according to Deputy Press Secretary Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, Mostafa said: "To address the country's existing water management challenges and ensure sustainable solutions, the Honorable Prime Minister exchanged views with a group of experts. The discussions focused on the ongoing problems and the necessary steps to address them."
He added, "The Prime Minister assured the experts of the government's support in ensuring the country's sustainable development, environmental protection, and safe and efficient water management for its citizens."
According to the deputy press secretary, the meeting included detailed discussions on restoring canals across the country, improving the stability of rivers and embankments, upgrading urban drainage systems, treating wastewater, and managing rainwater. The experts emphasised the need for integrated and effective urban planning in response to rapid urbanisation.
The meeting was led by the private development organisation Footsteps Bangladesh and attended by experts in environmental management, water resources, and engineering, as well as representatives from several related organisations.
Fasbeer Eskander, trustee and head of partnerships at Footsteps Bangladesh; President Shah Rafayat Chowdhury; Vice President Mohammad Taqi Yasir; Tariq Bin Yusuf, former chief engineer of the World Bank's Waste Management Project; Professor Mujibur Rahman of United International University and others were present in the meeting.
Mostafa said the experts presented their experiences and recommendations on the country's water management challenges, existing limitations, and possible solutions. Their recommendations included long- and medium-term planning, the use of modern technologies, stronger coordination among relevant agencies, and effective measures that take into account the impacts of climate change.
"The Honourable Prime Minister listened to the experts' views with keen interest and assured them of the government's necessary support," he said.
