BWDB must strengthen ties with people: Advisor Rizwana Hasan
Advisor to the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) must establish closer ties with citizens to ensure transparency and responsiveness in the water sector.
She made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled "Reforms in the Water Sector" on the occasion of the 53rd founding anniversary of BWDB, held at the Multipurpose Hall of Pani Bhaban in Dhaka's Green Road area on Saturday.
"The BWDB must acknowledge public complaints and applications, reassure people, and take immediate remedial action," she said.
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Rizwana Hasan directed the Chief Engineers of all nine BWDB zones to increase their field presence during the upcoming monsoon season, urging them to strengthen monitoring and ensure quick responses to minimise damage.
To that end, the government has formed a monsoon preparedness task force led by the Water Resources Secretary. The task force includes the BWDB Director General, Additional Director General, and Chief Engineers from each zone. The team will identify critical zones in need of urgent intervention.
She announced that, after the monsoon season, the best-performing zonal Chief Engineer—provided there are no corruption allegations—will be recognised by the ministry. The same recognition will be awarded to a meritorious young engineer among the nine zones.
Rizwana Hasan also provided updates on several river conservation efforts. She said the action plan to free the Turag River from encroachment and pollution is nearing finalisation, with cleanup operations expected to commence in September. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to support beautification efforts along the Turag.
She further stated that plans are underway to rehabilitate the Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Shitalakshya rivers, ensuring that the next government can carry forward the initiative.
Additionally, the ministry has developed an action plan to restore 64 rivers across the country. As part of this, final planning is underway for 12 rivers—including one from each division, the Bakkhali River in Cox's Bazar, and the four rivers surrounding Dhaka. Work to free the Labandah, Haridhoya and Sutang rivers will begin soon, with funding allocated from the Climate Change Trust Fund.
Dr Shyamal Chandra Das, Additional Chief Engineer of BWDB, delivered a keynote highlighting the day's significance.
Water Resources Secretary Md Nazmul Ahsan and BWDB Director General Md Tahmidul Islam also spoke at the event. Additional Director General (Administration) Mizanur Rahman delivered the welcome address. Senior officials of the ministry, heads of affiliated departments, and BWDB Chief Engineers were in attendance.
