Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured experts and representatives of relevant organisations of the government’s support for ensuring safe and sustainable water management.
He said the commitment was part of the government’s broader efforts towards environmental protection and sustainable development.
He made the assurance during an exchange of views with experts and representatives of organisations. The meeting was held at Secretariat, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said.
He said the discussions focused on restoring canals, ensuring the stability of rivers and embankments, improving urban drainage systems, wastewater treatment and rainwater management.
The experts and representatives also stressed the need for integrated and effective urban planning to address challenges arising from rapid urbanisation.
Led by Footsteps Bangladesh, experts from the environment, water and engineering sectors, along with representatives of several organisations working in the field, attended the meeting. They shared their experiences and recommendations on existing limitations in water management and possible solutions.
The experts recommended adopting short-, medium- and long-term plans, expanding the use of modern technologies, strengthening coordination among relevant agencies and taking effective measures considering the impacts of climate change.
After hearing their views and recommendations, the prime minister assured them of the government’s support in ensuring safe and effective water management for citizens in line with its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, Hasan Shiplu said.
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and BNP Special Secretary Belayet Hossain, among others, were present.
The experts and representatives included 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 Yousuf, Professor Mujibur Rahman of United International University, Red Orange Director Alok Kumar Majumdar, Deputy Director Samiul Islam, Youth for NDC Executive Director Amanullah Parag, GarbageMan founder and CEO Fahim Uddin Shuvo and urban and rural planner SM Mehedi Hasan.
