Water is not only a source of life but also a symbol of equality and justice, and proper action plans must be taken for sustainable water resource management, Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee has said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting on World Water Day 2026 at Pani Bhaban in the capital’s Panthapath on Monday.
He stressed the need to raise public awareness about the importance of water and called on ministry and agency heads to formulate proper action plans to address water-related challenges.
Shahid Uddin noted that while floodwaters cause immense suffering, water scarcity during droughts disrupts livelihoods. He recalled that the 2024 floods caused extensive waterlogging in Sylhet, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur districts.
Highlighting the government’s canal excavation drive, the minister said former president Ziaur Rahman had initiated a canal excavation programme to combat floods. The current government has already inaugurated canal excavation in 54 districts, he added.
Under the initiative, 1,200 kilometres of canals will be excavated in 180 days, and 20,000 kilometres of canals will be excavated across the country over the next five years, the minister said.
State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, who was present at the event, said water is intrinsically linked to people’s lives, livelihoods, and socio-economic conditions. He called for effective steps to protect the northern region from desertification and the southern region from salinity.
Azad urged all concerned to work in a coordinated manner to ensure safe and potable water for future generations.
The discussion meeting was chaired by Water Resources Secretary AKM Shahabuddin. Water resources and climate change expert Ainun Nishat delivered the keynote address.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Professor Md Ataur Rahman of BUET’s Department of Water Resources Strategy spoke as discussants online. Bangladesh Water Development Board Director General Md Enayet Ullah delivered the welcome address.
