Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday emphasized the importance of integrated urban planning to tackle the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and to ensure sustainable water management.

According to United News of Bangladesh, during a meeting with experts on water management, the Prime Minister assured them of government support in addressing the country’s water management challenges and finding sustainable solutions. The meeting was held at the Bangladesh Secretariat’s Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division, as reported by PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The discussions focused on critical water management issues, including canal restoration, river and embankment stability, urban drainage system improvements, wastewater treatment, and rainwater management. The meeting was attended by environmental, water resources, and engineering experts, alongside representatives from various organizations led by the private organization Footsteps Bangladesh.

Experts at the meeting shared insights into the country’s water management challenges, current limitations, and potential solutions. They highlighted the necessity of integrated and effective urban planning to manage the pressures of rapid urbanization and to secure long-term water security.

Recommendations from the experts included medium- and long-term planning, increased use of modern technology, enhanced coordination among relevant agencies, and effective measures that consider the impacts of climate change. In response, the Prime Minister assured the experts of the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, protecting the environment, and providing a safe and efficient water management system for the populace.

The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, BNP Special Secretary Belayet Hossain, and several notable figures from Footsteps Bangladesh and other organizations. This included Trustee and Head of Partnerships Fasbir Eskandar, President Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Vice-President Mohammad Taqi Yasir, among others.