United International University (UIU) hosted a national seminar on water rights, bringing policymakers, academics and experts together to examine equitable distribution, governance and sustainability challenges in Bangladesh.
The event, organised by the Department of Civil Engineering, was held on Saturday at the UIU campus in Dhaka, focusing on the theme of rights-based water management aligned with global discussions on water and equality.
State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad attended as chief guest. Economist and social thinker Hossain Zillur Rahman, also Chairperson of the Governing Body of BRAC and Founder and Executive Chairman of Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), joined as guest of honour. Local Government Division Joint Secretary for Policy Support Branch Mohammad Saiful Islam Majumder attended as special guest.
United International University Vice-Chancellor Md Abul Kashem Mia presided over the session.
Two keynote papers were presented by United International University Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilient Systems Director Md Mujibur Rahman and International Training Network Centre at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Director Rowshan Mamtaz.
Ensuring fair and sustainable water distribution remains central to national development, said State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad. He pointed to ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening water resource management, addressing climate-related risks and protecting vulnerable communities.
He also called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, academia and civil society to link water security with development priorities and support evidence-based policymaking.
Economist and social thinker Hossain Zillur Rahman said water rights should be viewed not only as a resource issue but also as a matter of governance and social justice.
He highlighted the growing importance of research and data-driven insights in shaping effective policies for water management in Bangladesh.
Speakers at the seminar emphasised adopting a rights-based approach to water governance, in line with the World Water Day 2026 theme, “Water and Gender Where Water Flows, Equality Grows”.
United International University Vice-Chancellor Md Abul Kashem Mia said universities play a critical role in advancing research, innovation and policy dialogue on national issues such as water rights.
He added that the seminar would contribute to developing sustainable solutions for water management in Bangladesh.
The programme was attended by faculty members, students, officials, academicians, government representatives, water experts and journalists.
