PM Calls for Integrated Urban Planning on Water Management

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday stressed the need for integrated urban planning to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation and ensure sustainable water management.

During a meeting with water management experts, the Prime Minister assured them of government support in tackling the country's water-related challenges and developing sustainable solutions.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, discussed key issues including canal restoration, river and embankment protection, improvement of urban drainage systems, wastewater treatment and rainwater management.

Environmental, water resources and engineering experts, along with representatives of several organisations led by Footsteps Bangladesh, attended the discussion.

The experts highlighted that effective urban planning is essential to manage the pressures of rapid urban growth and ensure long-term water security.

They recommended medium- and long-term planning, greater use of modern technology, stronger coordination among relevant agencies and measures considering the impacts of climate change.

After hearing the experts, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured cooperation in promoting sustainable development, protecting the environment and ensuring an efficient water management system for citizens.

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 attended the meeting.

Representatives from Footsteps Bangladesh, water management experts, engineers, urban planners and other professionals also took part in the discussion.