Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has called on the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to forge stronger ties with the public and adopt a more responsive, transparent approach to addressing public concerns.
Speaking at a discussion titled “Reforms in the Water Sector”, held at the Multipurpose Hall of Pani Bhaban in Dhaka to mark the 53rd founding anniversary of the BWDB, Adviser Rizwana emphasised the need for the BWDB to acknowledge public complaints, reassure citizens, and swiftly resolve issues.
“The BWDB must establish a closer relationship with the people,” she said, urging officials to act promptly and empathetically in their service delivery.
In preparation for the upcoming monsoon, Rizwana Hasan announced the formation of a high-level task force led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources. The task force includes the Director General, Additional Director General, and Chief Engineers from BWDB’s nine zones, and will focus on identifying areas requiring urgent intervention during the monsoon.
To strengthen field-level monitoring, the Adviser directed all zonal Chief Engineers and senior officials to actively visit project sites and respond immediately to any crisis. “Your presence on the ground can reduce damage and ensure faster action,” she said.
As part of broader reforms and to encourage integrity, Rizwana Hasan also declared that after the monsoon season, the Ministry would recognise and reward one zonal Chief Engineer and one young engineer—provided they demonstrate excellence and maintain a record free of corruption allegations.
On environmental efforts, the Adviser announced that the action plan for freeing the Turag River from encroachment and pollution is nearing completion. Cleanup activities are expected to begin in September, with beautification support assured by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
She also reiterated the government’s commitment to freeing the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakshya rivers to ensure the continuity of river restoration initiatives under future administrations.
Furthermore, Rizwana Hasan shared that a national plan to clean 64 rivers—one from each district—is underway. Initially, comprehensive plans for 12 rivers, including seven from each division, the Bakkhali River in Cox’s Bazar, and the four rivers around Dhaka, are being finalised. Work to free the Labandah, Haridhoya, and Sutang rivers will also commence, with funding from the Climate Change Trust Fund.
Dr Shyamal Chandra Das, Additional Chief Engineer of the Water Development Board, presented a speech highlighting the institution’s achievements.
The event also featured speeches by Md Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, and Md Tahmidul Islam, Director General of BWDB, who delivered the vote of thanks.
Mizanur Rahman, Additional Director General (Administration), gave the welcome address.
Additional Secretary Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, alongside senior ministry officials, departmental heads, and engineers from across the country, were also present.
The event reflected a unified commitment to ensuring sustainable water management and protecting the country’s vital river systems in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.
